Abstract
Physical activity may help prevent and/or manage depressive symptoms. However, the reported associations of past and current moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and involvement in team sports with depressive symptoms in early adulthood have been inconsistent. The objectives of this study were to assess: (i) the longitudinal associations of past MVPA and involvement in team sports during secondary school with depressive symptoms in early adulthood, and (ii) the cross-sectional associations of current MVPA and involvement in team sports with depressive symptoms during young adulthood. Data were drawn from the Nicotine Dependence in Teens study, an ongoing prospective cohort study of 1,293 adolescent aged 12-13 years at baseline (52% female). Data analysis involved latent growth curve modeling and multiple hierarchical linear regression models. Current MVPA (ß = -.12), but not past MVPA, participation was significantly related to depressive symptoms during young adulthood. Both current and past involvement in team sports were significantly related to depressive symptoms (ß = -.09); however, these associations were no longer significant (p = .08) when covariates were controlled for. Overall, findings from provide insight about the unique associations between timing and type of physical activity and depressive symptoms, suggesting that activities done within team sport contexts during adolescence and early adulthood should be encouraged so that young adults may experience less depressive symptoms.Acknowledgments: This work was supported by the Canadian Cancer Society.