Physical Activity And Neuropsychological Function In Young Adults With And Without Depressive Symptoms

More than one-fourth (28.4%) of US college students have been diagnosed with depression. Only 43.3% met weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) recommendations for healthy adults (NCHA, 2023). People with depression have significant working memory deficits (Nikolin, et al; 2021). PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to 1) examine associations of sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity (PA) with neuropsychological function (i.e., reaction time [RT] and working memory [WM]) among young adults with and without depressive symptoms; and 2) examine potential gender disparities. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, 111 young adults (Mage = 22.2 ± 4.07; 73% female; 27.0% white, 20.7% black, 27.0% Hispanic, 19.8% Asian) were recruited and self-reported depressive symptoms (CES-D; Radlof, 1977; Hann et al, 1999). They wore accelerometers for 7 days to objectively measure SB, light PA (LPA) and MVPA. An automated neuropsychological test battery was used to assess RT and WM. Correlational analysis and independent samples t-tests examined the relationship and group differences between individuals with and without depressive symptoms (CES-D < 16 vs. ≥16). RESULTS: Total MVPA was negatively associated with RT (Pearson’s r = -.298, p < .05) and positively associated with WM (Pearson’s r = .27, p < .05). Total SB was significantly associated with WM (Pearson’s r = .31, p < .01). Females had more depressive symptoms (14.38 vs. 8.87; Cohen’s d = 7.795) and more MVPA (815.98 vs. 746.32; Cohen’s d = 319.06) than male peers. Active individuals (> 60 mins daily MVPA) had faster RT (643.76 vs. 779.04; Cohen’s d = 167.79) than those less active. Depressed individuals had more total SB (1300.88 vs. 1277.65; Cohen’s d = 486.21) and less PA (LPA; 2346.91 vs. 2458.35; Cohen’s d = 486.21; MVPA; 771.54 vs. 842.09; Cohen’s d = 318.98) compared to non-depressed. Individuals without depression had faster RT than those with depression (698.92 vs. 767.70; Cohen’s d = 304.10). CONCLUSIONS: PA alone may be insufficient to address depressive symptoms in females. Gender-specific interventions are suggested for promoting PA and neuropsychological health. Physical activity intervention focusing on reducing sedentary behavior may enhance neurological function and reduce depressive symptoms among young adults.