The DOI matches its Crossref record; 84 of the 84 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.
Physical Activity and Incident Depression: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies
Open accessAbstract
OBJECTIVE: The authors examined the prospective relationship between physical activity and incident depression and explored potential moderators. METHOD: Prospective cohort studies evaluating incident depression were searched from database inception through Oct. 18, 2017, on PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and SPORTDiscus. Demographic and clinical data, data on physical activity and depression assessments, and odds ratios, relative risks, and hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals were extracted. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted, and the potential sources of heterogeneity were explored. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: =0.00). Furthermore, physical activity had a protective effect against the emergence of depression in youths (adjusted odds ratio=0.90, 95% CI=0.83, 0.98), in adults (adjusted odds ratio=0.78, 95% CI=0.70, 0.87), and in elderly persons (adjusted odds ratio=0.79, 95% CI=0.72, 0.86). Protective effects against depression were found across geographical regions, with adjusted odds ratios ranging from 0.65 to 0.84 in Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania, and against increased incidence of positive screen for depressive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio=0.84, 95% CI=0.79, 0.89) or major depression diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio=0.86, 95% CI=0.75, 0.98). No moderators were identified. Results were consistent for unadjusted odds ratios and for adjusted and unadjusted relative risks/hazard ratios. Overall study quality was moderate to high (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale score, 6.3). Although significant publication bias was found, adjusting for this did not change the magnitude of the associations. CONCLUSIONS: Available evidence supports the notion that physical activity can confer protection against the emergence of depression regardless of age and geographical region.
Overview
The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.
Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Verification
Claims the paper makes
The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.
Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
The source backs part of the claim, not all of it — or backs it for a different population, condition or comparison.
In the citing paper
“Furthermore, physical exercise for approximately 45 minutes per day can significantly reduce the risk of MDD. 320 , 321”
From Major depressive disorder: hypothesis, mechanism, prevention and treatment (2024) · cites this paper as [321]
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredThe source backs part of the claim, not all of it — or backs it for a different population, condition or comparison.
In the citing paper
“Finally, self-reported physical activity or exercise interventions may have potential beneficial effects to lower the incidence of depression20 and lower the severity of obstructive sleep apnea and associated comorbidities21.”
From Association of step counts over time with the risk of chronic disease in the All of Us Research Program (2022) · cites this paper as [20]
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredThe source backs part of the claim, not all of it — or backs it for a different population, condition or comparison.
In the citing paper
“There are recent large-scale observational [18] and Mendelian randomisation studies [124] suggesting that higher levels of PA can confer protection against mental disorders.”
From Exercise as Medicine for Mental and Substance Use Disorders: A Meta-review of the Benefits for Neuropsychiatric and Cognitive Outcomes (2020) · cites this paper as [18]
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredThe source backs part of the claim, not all of it — or backs it for a different population, condition or comparison.
In the citing paper
“Adjusting for baseline depressive symptoms, body mass index, smoking status, age, gender and other confounds did not alter the findings.”
From A meta-review of "lifestyle psychiatry": the role of exercise, smoking, diet and sleep in the prevention and treatment of mental disorders (2020) · cites this paper as [29]
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredThe cited source says what the claim attributes to it.
In the citing paper
“and in children/adolescents (n=3, OR=0.907, 95% CI: 0.836-0.985), adults (n=16, OR=0.787, 95% CI: 0.707-0.877) or older adults (n=16, OR=0.794, 95% CI: 0.726-0.868).”
From A meta-review of "lifestyle psychiatry": the role of exercise, smoking, diet and sleep in the prevention and treatment of mental disorders (2020) · cites this paper as [29]
The cited source says what the claim attributes to it.
In the citing paper
“Although there was indication of publication bias, adjusting for this did not alter overall findings (OR=0.85, 95% CI: 0.81-0.89).”
From A meta-review of "lifestyle psychiatry": the role of exercise, smoking, diet and sleep in the prevention and treatment of mental disorders (2020) · cites this paper as [29]
In the citing paper
“Longitudinal studies show that this association is bidirectional, 241,242 but with a stronger time-lagged association of marital discord predicting depressive symptoms than viceversa. 243”
From Time for united action on depression: a Lancet–World Psychiatric Association Commission (2022) · cites this paper as [242]
In the citing paper
“The risk of incident depression is estimated to be 21% lower in older adults who engage in PA, especially at moderate to vigorous intensities [442,443].”
From Global consensus on optimal exercise recommendations for enhancing healthy longevity in older adults (ICFSR) (2025) · cites this paper as [443]
In the citing paper
“The risk of incident depression is estimated to be 21% lower in older adults who engage in PA, especially at moderate to vigorous intensities [442,443].”
From Global consensus on optimal exercise recommendations for enhancing healthy longevity in older adults (ICFSR) (2025) · cites this paper as [443]
In the citing paper
“a recent meta-analysis of 49 prospective studies across nearly 267,000 individuals demonstrated that higher levels of PA associated with reduced odds of developing depression [odds ratio (OR) = 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79–0.88] across age groups (2).”
From The Role of Exercise in Management of Mental Health Disorders: An Integrative Review (2021) · cites this paper as [2]
In the citing paper
“Meta-analyses of prospective cohort studies showed that physical activity had a protective effect against the future onset of depression [17], while sedentary time increased the risk of depression [18].”
From Digital Biomarkers for Depression Screening With Wearable Devices: Cross-sectional Study With Machine Learning Modeling (2021) · cites this paper as [17]
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
The self-check needs the paper’s full text.
Citations
Cites
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
American Psychiatric Association (2013) · doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596 · Cited by 116,369
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement
Moher, D., Liberati, A., Tetzlaff, J., Altman, D. G., & The PRISMA Group (2009) · PLoS Medicine · doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1000097 · Cited by 64,042
Measuring inconsistency in meta-analyses
Higgins, J. P. T., Thompson, S. G., Deeks, J. J., & Altman, D. G. (2003) · BMJ · doi:10.1136/bmj.327.7414.557 · Cited by 63,139
Bias in meta-analysis detected by a simple, graphical test
Egger, M., Smith, G. D., Schneider, M., & Minder, C. (1997) · BMJ · doi:10.1136/bmj.315.7109.629 · Cited by 56,722
An inventory for measuring depression
BECK, A. T. (1961) · Archives of General Psychiatry · doi:10.1001/archpsyc.1961.01710120031004 · Cited by 38,032
International physical activity questionnaire: 12-country reliability and validity
CRAIG, C. L., MARSHALL, A. L., SJ??STR??M, M., BAUMAN, A. E., BOOTH, M. L., AINSWORTH, B. E., PRATT, M., EKELUND, U., YNGVE, A., SALLIS, J. F., et al. (2003) · Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise · doi:10.1249/01.mss.0000078924.61453.fb · Cited by 21,619
Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology<SUBTITLE>A Proposal for Reporting</SUBTITLE>
Stroup, D. F. (2000) · JAMA · doi:10.1001/jama.283.15.2008 · Cited by 20,623
Operating characteristics of a rank correlation test for publication bias
Begg, C. B., & Mazumdar, M. (1994) · Biometrics · doi:10.2307/2533446 · Cited by 16,955
Duval, S., & Tweedie, R. (2000) · Biometrics · doi:10.1111/j.0006-341x.2000.00455.x · Cited by 14,099
The file drawer problem and tolerance for null results.
Rosenthal, R. (1979) · Psychological Bulletin · doi:10.1037/0033-2909.86.3.638 · Cited by 9,068 · cited 1×
“05) the 212 effect size was calculated (28).”
Research works printed but not linked: 6
- Caspersen CJ, 1985, Public Health Rep, 100, 126
- World Health Organization, 1993, The ICD-10 Classification of Mental and Behavioural Disorders: Diagnostic Criteria for Research
- Chen J, 1999, Health Rep, 11, 21
- 10.1017/S1041610210001833 · DOI
- Toups MSP, 2014, Biol Psychiatry, 75, 48S
- Dotson VM, 2016, J Frailty Aging, 5, 6
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Items 701–800 of 999
A Load to Find Clinically Useful Biomarkers for Depression
Perković, M. N., Šagud, M., Tudor, L., Konjevod, M., Štrac, D. Š., & Pivac, N. (2021) · Advances in experimental medicine and biology · doi:10.1007/978-981-33-6044-0_11 · Cited by 8
Chung, Y. J., Jung, H. H., Jung, C., Lim, H.-S., & Kim, S. C. (2021) · Korean Journal of Family Practice · doi:10.21215/kjfp.2021.11.2.120 · Cited by 8
Lohse, A. W., & GmbH, S.-V. (2021) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-662-63509-4 · Cited by 8
Pawlowska, A., Lipowska, K., & Krokosz, D. (2021) · Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity · doi:10.29359/bjhpa.2021.suppl.1.04 · Cited by 9
Appelqvist‐Schmidlechner, K., Raitanen, J. A., Vasankari, T. J., Kyröläinen, H., HÄKKINEN, A. H., Honkanen, T., & Vaara, J. P. (2022) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2022.820852 · Cited by 10
Increased Odds for Depression and Antidepressant Use in the Inactive Spanish Population
Galán-Arroyo, C., Pereira-Payo, D., Rojo-Ramos, J., Hernández-Mocholí, M. A., Merellano-Navarro, E., Pérez‐Gómez, J., Denche-Zamorano, Á. M., & Adsuar, J. C. (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph19052829 · Cited by 8
“PA has also been found to protect against the onset of depression regardless of age and geography [19,20].”
BackgroundYu, J., Eun, D., & Jee, Y. (2022) · Healthcare · doi:10.3390/healthcare10061152 · Cited by 8
Does Regular Physical Activity Improve Personal Income? Empirical Evidence from China
Xiao, X., Yu, Y., He, Q., Xu, D.-D., Qi, Y., Ma, L., & Deng, X.-N. (2022) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu14173522 · Cited by 8
“As for individual physical and mental health, relevant studies showed that exercise could reduce the frequency of illness, improving depression [19] and other mental illnesses, while introducing increased benefits to health and happiness [20].”
BackgroundFélez-Nóbrega, M., Werneck, A. O., Fatouhi, D. E., de Luca, K. E., Islam, S. M. S., & Franzese, F. (2022) · Journal of Affective Disorders · doi:10.1016/j.jad.2022.11.006 · Cited by 8
Vancampfort, D., Soir, E. D., van Winkel, R., Louw, Q. A., McKeon, G., Rosenbaum, S., Seedat, S., & Ramos-Sanchez, C. P. (2023) · Journal of Workplace Behavioral Health · doi:10.1080/15555240.2023.2191203 · Cited by 9
“…demonstrated that meeting the physical activity recommendation of 150 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week is associated with higher levels of well-being and lower odds of developing PTSD, depression, and anxiety (LeardMann et al., 2011; Schuch et al., 2019; Schuch et al., 2018).”
BackgroundSelf-citationPhan, A., Askim, T., Lydersen, S., Indredavik, B., & Wethal, T. (2023) · Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine · doi:10.2340/jrm.v55.12309 · Cited by 8
“While several lines of evidence support that individuals with depression and anxiety spend more time in SB (43–45), the direction of the association remains unclear.”
BackgroundAcute myocardial infarction in a young elite cyclist: a missed opportunity
Thompson, C. S. G., Pass, M., Timothy, T., Hung, J., & Egred, M. (2019) · BMJ Case Reports · doi:10.1136/bcr-2018-228560 · Cited by 8
Nietola, M., Huovinen, H., Heiskala, A., Nordström, T., Miettunen, J., Korkeila, J. A., & Jääskeläinen, E. (2020) · Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology · doi:10.1007/s00127-020-01835-7 · Cited by 8
Petzold, M. B., Frank, G., Bendau, A., Plag, J., Betzler, F., & Ströhle, A. (2020) · Mental health and physical activity · doi:10.1016/j.mhpa.2020.100353 · Cited by 8
Hofman, A., Limpens, M. A. M., de Crom, T. O. E., Ikram, M. A., Luik, A. I., & Voortman, T. (2021) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu13113832 · Cited by 8
Sweeney, M. (2005) · Cited by 8
Swed, S., Ibrahim, I., Bohsas, H., Nashwan, A. J., Elsayed, M., Almoshantaf, M. B., Kadri, S. A., Sawaf, B., Albuni, M. K., Battikh, E., et al. (2023) · Frontiers in Psychiatry · doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1013623 · Cited by 9
Große, J., Huppertz, C., Röh, A., Oertel, V., Andresen, S., Schade, N., Goerke-Arndt, F., Kastinger, A., Schoofs, N., Thomann, P. A., et al. (2023) · European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience · doi:10.1007/s00406-023-01646-2 · Cited by 9
“A number of interventions have been developed and implemented [31, 32].”
Wearable physiological monitoring of physical exercise and mental health: A systematic review
Chen, F., Zhao, L., Pang, L., Zhang, Y., Lü, L., Li, J., & Liu, C. (2025) · Intelligent Sports and Health · doi:10.1016/j.ish.2024.12.006 · Cited by 11
Andersen, L. L., López‐Bueno, R., Kandola, A. A., Núñez‐Cortés, R., López, L., & Calatayud, J. (2025) · Psychological Medicine · doi:10.1017/s003329172400343x · Cited by 7
“…reviews found that self-reported physical activity from as little as 10 min per day to several hours per week was associated with reduced risk of depression (Mammen & Faulkner, 2013; Pearce et al., 2022; Schuch et al., 2018; Wanjau et al., 2023), leading to uncertainties about the optimal dose.”
Graham, M., Hodgson, P., Fleming, L., Innerd, A. L., Clibbens, N., Hope, W., Aston, L., & Glascott, M. (2025) · International Journal of Mental Health Nursing · doi:10.1111/inm.70017 · Cited by 7
McKeon, G., Rosenbaum, S., Whitten, T., Tay, A. K., Moussa, B., Hassoun, F., & Rees, S. J. (2025) · Psychology of sport and exercise · doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102844 · Cited by 7
Self-citationLevihn‐Coon, A., Smits, J. A. J., & Beevers, C. G. (2025) · PLOS mental health. · doi:10.1371/journal.pmen.0000211 · Cited by 8
“Meta-analyses of correlational studies have shown that physical activity is associated with improved mental health and reduced depression [7,8].”
Palazuelos‐González, R., Voshaar, R. C. O., Liefbroer, A. C., & Smidt, N. (2025) · Journal of Affective Disorders · doi:10.1016/j.jad.2025.119413 · Cited by 7
Polyphenols and Exercise in Mitochondrial Biogenesis: Focus on Age-Related CNS Disorders
Tu, J. (2025) · Molecular Neurobiology · doi:10.1007/s12035-025-05121-y · Cited by 11
“Research has specifically shown that participating in physical exercise can significantly improve cognitive capabilities and memory, as well as providing protection against brain-related illnesses and alleviating symptoms of depression [62, 63].”
He, M.-H., Zhao, T.-Y., Zhu, W., Lou, H., Zhang, D. P., Mu, F.-Z., Zhang, X., Li, Y., Zhang, W., Liu, Q., et al. (2025) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1604916 · Cited by 7
“While the benefits of physical activity on physical and mental health are well-established (Matheson, 2020; MCSP PDJJP, 2002; Schuch et al., 2018; Nieman and Wentz, 2019; Benhaberou-Brun, 2012).”
Domaradzki, J., & Słowińska-Lisowska, M. R. (2025) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu17142307 · Cited by 7
Park, Y., an, S. R., Jeon, J. Y., & Lee, D. H. (2025) · Journal of Affective Disorders · doi:10.1016/j.jad.2025.119983 · Cited by 7
Kim, J.-W., Lee, T.-H., Lim, B., Park, S.-H., Park, J.-H., Jeong, I., Park, K., Kang, H., Jeon, E., Kim, S., et al. (2025) · Journal of Affective Disorders · doi:10.1016/j.jad.2025.120104 · Cited by 8
Transdiagnostic prevention in youth mental health, Part II: interventions
DeTore, N. R., Balogun‐Mwangi, O., Choi, K. W., & Holt, D. J. (2025) · Neuropsychopharmacology · doi:10.1038/s41386-025-02234-9 · Cited by 8
“For example, meta-analyses have established that major depressive disorder can be prevented in a portion of at-risk individuals using psychological [149 – 151] and exercise [152, 153] interventions.”
Christie, H. E., Beetham, K. S., Stratton, E., & François, M. E. (2022) · Frontiers in Global Women s Health · doi:10.3389/fgwh.2021.793602 · Cited by 7
da Costa, B. G. G., Bruner, B., Raymer, G. H., Benson, S. M. S., Chaput, J., McGoey, T., Rickwood, G., Robertson‐Wilson, J., Saunders, T. J., & Law, B. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1025444 · Cited by 7
“, physical activity, screen time) factors may be related with increased risk or protection (Schuch et al., 2018).”
BackgroundZhang, Z., Chen, Y., Zhou, X., Liu, S., & Yu, J. (2023) · Frontiers in Endocrinology · doi:10.3389/fendo.2023.1226830 · Cited by 7
Knowles, C., Paradis, K. F., Breslin, G., Shannon, S., & Carlin, A. (2023) · European Journal of Public Health · doi:10.1093/eurpub/ckad122 · Cited by 10
Owen, G., Fahy, K., & Barr, B. (2023) · Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health · doi:10.1136/jech-2023-220891 · Cited by 5
“Declining physical activity has a negative impact on both physical 1 and mental health 2 and is estimated to cost the NHS £455 million a year.”
BackgroundDonizzetti, A. R. (2023) · Behavioral Sciences · doi:10.3390/bs13120986 · Cited by 7
“…disorders, such as anxiety, insomnia, stress, depression, etc., due to the increased oxygenation of organs, including the brain, hence the ability of sports practice to generate effects in improving mood and preventing various disorders, also reducing the risk of depression [6] and anxiety [7].”
Defina, S., Woofenden, T., Baltramonaityte, V., Tiemeier, H. W., Fairchild, G. F., Felix, J. F., Cecil, C. A. M., & Walton, E. (2024) · Preventive Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2024.107926 · Cited by 7
“…effects of physical activity (e.g., swimming or cycling) for reducing the risk of depression (Choi et al., 2019; Choi et al., 2020; Firth et al., 2020; He et al., 2021; Schuch et al., 2018), although this was not specific to children exposed to higher levels of stress (Choi et al., 2020).”
Research status and trends of physical activity on depression or anxiety: a bibliometric analysis
Zhang, X., Ye, F., Yin, Z., Li, Y., Bao, Q.-N., Xia, M., Chen, Z., Zhong, W., Wu, K., Yao, J., et al. (2024) · Frontiers in Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnins.2024.1337739 · Cited by 8
Lu, S., Sun, J., Guo, Z., Yi, M., Zhang, Y., Wang, J., & Wang, Y. (2024) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1465974 · Cited by 8
Muñoz-Urtubia, N., Vega-Muñoz, A., Salazar-Sepúlveda, G., Contreras-Barraza, N., Mendoza-Muñoz, M., Ureta-Paredes, W., & Carabantes-Silva, R. (2024) · Journal of Clinical Medicine · doi:10.3390/jcm13237027 · Cited by 10
“Finally, PL also has a positive impact on children’s mental health and psychological well-being, improving self-esteem and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, which contributes to an overall health status [36,37].”
Physical Activity and Depression in Breast Cancer Patients: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential
Li, A., Zheng, X., Liu, D., Huang, R., Ge, H., Cheng, L. J., Zhang, M., & Cheng, H. (2025) · Current Oncology · doi:10.3390/curroncol32020077 · Cited by 7
Physical Activity and Exercise as a Treatment of Depression: Evidence and Neurobiological Mechanism
Stubbs, B., & Schuch, F. B. (2019) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-813333-0.00026-3 · Cited by 8
Self-citationGroße, J., Petzold, M. B., Brand, R., & Ströhle, A. (2020) · International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research · doi:10.1002/mpr.1862 · Cited by 6
Regular Exercise and Depressive Symptoms in Korean Older Adults
Kim, Y., & Cho, S. (2021) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph18010303 · Cited by 8
“However, several prospective cohort studies have demonstrated that engaging in exercise was significantly associated with decreased in developing future depression [24].”
BackgroundInfluentialPsychosocial Health and Physical Activity in People With Major Depression in the Context of COVID-19
Cody, R., Kreppke, J.-N., Beck, J., Donath, L., Eckert, A., Imboden, C., Hatzinger, M., Holsboer‐Trachsler, E., Lang, U. E., Ludyga, S., et al. (2021) · Frontiers in Sports and Active Living · doi:10.3389/fspor.2021.685117 · Cited by 7
Watanabe, K., & Kawakami, N. (2021) · BMC Public Health · doi:10.1186/s12889-021-12059-y · Cited by 8
“83) was derived from a previous meta-analysis [31] indicating that sufficient physical activity could reduce the risk of depression by 17% (RR = 0.”
MethodÖhlin, J., Toots, A., Almevall, A. D., Littbrand, H., Conradsson, M., Hörnsten, C., Werneke, U., Niklasson, J., Olofsson, B., Gustafson, Y., et al. (2021) · Gait & Posture · doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.11.019 · Cited by 10
Jung, M., Kim, H., Loprinzi, P. D., Ryu, S., & Kang, M. (2022) · Aging & Mental Health · doi:10.1080/13607863.2022.2056139 · Cited by 8
“For instance, physical activity has consistently been reported to have a protective impact on depression (Currier et al., 2020; Schuch et al., 2018) and cognitive deterioration (Carvalho et al.”
BackgroundBarbosa, J. M. A., Ribeiro, C. C. C., Batista, R. F. L., Brondani, M., Simões, V. M. F., Bettiol, H., Barbieri, M. A., Coelho, S. J. D. D. D. A. C., & da Silva, A. A. M. (2022) · Cadernos de Saúde Pública · doi:10.1590/0102-311x00055621 · Cited by 9
“Studies have shown that physical activity is a protective factor against depression 44 and suicide risk in youngsters 45 which adjusts to smoking but not to other behavioral risks, including unhealthy diet and alcohol.”
BackgroundBaranauskas, M., Kupčiūnaitė, I., & Stukas, R. (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph19159725 · Cited by 7
“, mode) of PA and the mental health outcome [140,141].”
BackgroundLi, H., & Zhang, Y. (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph20010095 · Cited by 9
“Physical activity has been suggested to have antidepressant effects [14].”
BackgroundChronic diseases and health conditions in adolescents: Sex inequalities
Lemos, V. C., Barros, M. B. D. A., & Lima, M. G. (2023) · Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia · doi:10.1590/1980-549720230009.2 · Cited by 10
Werneck, A. O., Cunha, P. M., & da Silva, D. R. P. (2023) · Aging & Mental Health · doi:10.1080/13607863.2023.2177831 · Cited by 7
“A previous meta-analysis analyzing the prospective association between physical activity and incident depression found that the older adults with higher physical activity were 21% less likely to present incident depression than the older adults with lower physical activity (Schuch et al., 2018).”
BackgroundAssociation of Low-Normal Free T4 Levels With Future Major Depression Development
Odawara, S., Shimbo, T., Yamauchi, T., & Kobayashi, D. (2023) · Journal of the Endocrine Society · doi:10.1210/jendso/bvad096 · Cited by 7
“and diabetes had an increased risk of major depression, which was consistent with previous observations [32-41].”
ResultYıldırım, S., & ÖZGÖKÇE, G. (2023) · Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences · doi:10.54141/psbd.1312256 · Cited by 9
Bailey, J. M., Clinton‐McHarg, T., Wye, P. M., Wiggers, J. H., Bartlem, K. M., & Bowman, J. (2020) · BMC Health Services Research · doi:10.1186/s12913-020-5059-0 · Cited by 7
“Further, a meta-analysis of 49 prospective studies found physical activity had a protective effect against the emergence of depression in youths, adults, and elderly persons [41].”
BackgroundInada, S., Yoshiuchi, K., Park, S., & Aoyagi, Y. (2021) · BioPsychoSocial Medicine · doi:10.1186/s13030-021-00207-0 · Cited by 7
Kandola, A. A., & Brendon, S. (2021) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-71229-7_26 · Cited by 7
Health-Related Behaviors and Perceived Addictions
Canas-Simião, H., Reis, C., Carreiras, D., Espada-Santos, P., & Paiva, T. (2022) · The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease · doi:10.1097/nmd.0000000000001503 · Cited by 7
“PA is recommended for prevention and treatment of depressive episodes (Sutherland, 2019), regardless of age or geographic region (de Oliveira et al., 2019; Schuch et al., 2018).”
BackgroundFeter, N., Caputo, E. L., Leite, J. S., Delpino, F. M., Cassuriaga, J., Huckembeck, C. M., da Silva, C. N., Alt, R., da Silva, M. C., Reichert, F. F., et al. (2022) · Mental health and physical activity · doi:10.1016/j.mhpa.2022.100468 · Cited by 8
“Although the protective effects of physical activity on depression are well established (Schuch et al., 2018), the association between physical activity in different places (e.”
BackgroundMethodInfluentialLuttenberger, K., Najem, C., Rosenbaum, S., Sifri, C., Kind, L., & Baggenstos, B. (2023) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph20054289 · Cited by 8
“In addition, physical activity can protect against the onset of mental illness [18,19].”
BackgroundSelf-citationTsujita, N., Akamatsu, Y., Nishida, M. M., Hayashi, T., & Moritani, T. (2020) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu12030690 · Cited by 8
“Low PA levels are associated with depression onset [7], while higher PA levels are consistently associated with lower odds of developing depression in the future [8].”
BackgroundThe Impact of Physical Activity on Mental Health Outcomes during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Tao, C. S., Zhu, L., Strudwick, G., Hopkins, J. P., Bennington, M., Fitzpatrick, S., Sachdeva, H., Vanderlinden, L. D., Mushquash, C. J., Bobos, P., et al. (2022) · doi:10.47326/ocsat.2022.03.62.1.0 · Cited by 9
Fanelli, G., Franke, B., Fabbri, C., Werme, J., Erdogan, I., Witte, W. D., Poelmans, G., Ruisch, I. H., Reus, L. M., van Gils, V., et al. (2024) · medRxiv · doi:10.1101/2024.03.07.24303921 · Cited by 7
Mehrabi, F., Amiri, P., Naseri, P., & Azizi, F. (2022) · Archives of Iranian Medicine · doi:10.34172/aim.2022.85 · Cited by 7
“16,50 Further time-varying longitudinal investigations seem essential to clarify this controversy.”
Cho, E. (2024) · Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine · doi:10.1177/23337214241253365 · Cited by 7
“…adults (150 minutes or more of moderate-intensity PA or 75 minutes or more of vigorous-intensity PA per week) compared to those without depression (Schuch et al., 2018), suggesting that higher levels of depression are associated with less frequent PA, one of the most important health-related…”
BackgroundDepression and Its Effect on Geriatric Rehabilitation Outcomes in Switzerland’s Aging Population
Miletić, B., Plisic, A., Jelovica, L., Saner, J., Hesse, M., Šegulja, S., Courteney, U., & Starčević-Klasan, G. (2025) · Medicina · doi:10.3390/medicina61020257 · Cited by 5
“Deterioration in physical health not only significantly impairs quality of life, but also represents a significant barrier in overcoming depression, creating a complex, self-repeating cycle [11].”
Liu, Y., Tong, Y., Huang, G., & Guo, K. (2025) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-025-07767-z · Cited by 6
“…to the Cognitive Appraisal Theory of Stress and Coping Theory, physical exercise enhances an individual’s self-efficacy 30 , reduces threat appraisal of stressors 31 , and decreases anxiety and ruminative thinking 32 , thereby improving sleep quality 33 and alleviating depressive symptoms 34 .”
Building and strengthening physical activity identity: a theory-informed user-guide
Strachan, S. M., Kullman, S. M., & Rhodes, R. E. (2025) · Health Psychology Review · doi:10.1080/17437199.2025.2550359 · Cited by 9
Mengist, B., Lotfaliany, M., Pasco, J. A., Agustini, B., Berk, M., Orchard, S. G., Ryan, J. L., Owen, A. J., Woods, R. L., McNeil, J. J., et al. (2026) · Journal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle · doi:10.1002/jcsm.70223 · Cited by 7
“Individuals with depressive symptoms are less likely to engage in physical activity and reduced physical activity is a risk factor for functional impairment [28, 40].”
Exercise and PTSD Symptoms in Emergency Service and Frontline Medical Workers: A Systematic Review
McKeon, G., Steel, Z., Wells, R., Fitzpatrick, A., Vancampfort, D., & Rosenbaum, S. (2021) · Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine · doi:10.1249/tjx.0000000000000189 · Cited by 6
Self-citationGalán-Arroyo, C., Pereira-Payo, D., Hernández-Mocholí, M. A., Merellano-Navarro, E., Pérez‐Gómez, J., Rojo-Ramos, J., & Adsuar, J. C. (2022) · Healthcare · doi:10.3390/healthcare10010100 · Cited by 6
“It has also being observed that physical activity protects against the emergence of depression regardless of age and geographical region [32,33].”
Backgrounddo Nascimento, R. B., Santos, R., Gomes, T. H. S., França, C. N., Rossi, F. E., Natrielli, D. G., Filho, J. C. J., Gil, S. D. S., Stubbs, B., Lafer, B., et al. (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph192214913 · Cited by 6
Self-citationEnergy Availability, Mental Health, and Sleep Patterns of Athletic Trainers
Torres-McGehee, T. M., Emerson, D. M., Flanscha, A. N., Uriegas, N. A., Moore, E. M., & Smith, A. B. (2023) · Journal of Athletic Training · doi:10.4085/1062-6050-0547.22 · Cited by 10
Kim, S., & Joo, C.-H. (2023) · Medicine · doi:10.1097/md.0000000000033460 · Cited by 6
Sever, S., Harrison, A. S., & Doherty, P. (2023) · Journal of Psychosomatic Research · doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111342 · Cited by 6
Interactive effect between sleep and exercise on depressive symptoms in Chinese adolescents
Zou, S., Deng, F., Tan, W., Fu, Y., Zhang, H., Xu, H., Tao, Y., Tang, X., Tang, X., Xiong, P., et al. (2023) · Frontiers in Psychiatry · doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1207243 · Cited by 8
“In fact, a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies found that physical exercise can reduce the incidence of depression among people of all ages (13).”
BackgroundMartins, J., Masoumi, H., Loureiro, V., Gomes, M., Ratinho, F., Ribeiro, T., Mehriar, M., Rakovac, M., Šentija, D., Bahr, A., et al. (2023) · Healthcare · doi:10.3390/healthcare11172395 · Cited by 6
Niven, A. G., & Strain, T. (2023) · Mental health and physical activity · doi:10.1016/j.mhpa.2023.100556 · Cited by 6
“The evidence base for mental health has typically focused on the role of physical activity and sedentary behavior in reducing mental ill-health (3), such as depression (4–8).”
BackgroundTan, Z., Su, L., Chen, X., He, H., & Long, Y. (2024) · Journal of Clinical Medicine · doi:10.3390/jcm13030868 · Cited by 6
“Studies with NOS scores of one to three, four to six, and seven to nine are considered to be of low, medium, and high quality, respectively [12,13].”
BackgroundWang, Z., Cao, Z., Min, J., Duan, T., & Xu, C. (2024) · BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine · doi:10.1136/bmjebm-2024-112933 · Cited by 8
The effects of physical activity on adolescents’ depression: evidence from China
Chen, H., Liu, M., Zhao, W., Wei, H., Zhang, Y., & Li, S. (2024) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1430145 · Cited by 6
Yuan, W., Yang, T., Chen, L., Zhang, Y., Liu, J., Song, X., Jiang, J., Yang, Q., Wang, R., Guo, T., et al. (2024) · Journal of Affective Disorders · doi:10.1016/j.jad.2024.08.026 · Cited by 6
Chen, C., Du, S., Shao, Q., Fu, X., Lin, J., Zhou, S. L., & Li, Y. (2024) · Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies · doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.10.068 · Cited by 8
Zheng, J., Xu, J., Wu, Y., & Liu, D. (2025) · BMC Geriatrics · doi:10.1186/s12877-025-05797-w · Cited by 6
“Numerous studies have shown that physical activity is closely related to mental health [54, 55].”
Chekroud, A. M. (2019) · JAMA Psychiatry · doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.3870 · Cited by 5
Pizzol, D., Smith, L., Koyanagi, A., Stubbs, B., Grabovac, I., Jackson, S. E., & Veronese, N. (2019) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph16142489 · Cited by 6
“Contrariwise, structured PA is demonstrated to reduce depressive symptoms [19].”
BackgroundSelf-citationDavis, M. E., & McGrane, N. (2021) · Physiotherapy Practice and Research · doi:10.3233/ppr-210512 · Cited by 9
“…only one study [48] measured and demonstrated the significant long-term efficacy of exercise on depression, these findings align with previous research which identified exercise as a protective factor against the reoccur-rence of depressive episodes in depressed adults who remained active [49, 50].”
Lattari, E., Pascouto, A. J. C., Oliveira, B. R. R., Silva, L. S., de Oliveira, A. J., Machado, S. E. D. C., & Neto, G. D. A. M. (2021) · Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health · doi:10.2174/1745017902117010198 · Cited by 6
Triolo, F., Saadeh, M., Sjöberg, L., Fratiglioni, L., Welmer, A., Calderón‐Larrañaga, A., & Dekhtyar, S. (2022) · Innovation in Aging · doi:10.1093/geroni/igac041 · Cited by 6
“, 2019) and depression (Schuch et al., 2018) during nonpandemic times (Belvederi Murri et al.”
BackgroundDenche-Zamorano, Á. M., Mendoza-Muñoz, D. M., Pastor-Cisneros, R., Adsuar, J. C., Carlos‐Vivas, J., Franco-García, J. M., Pérez‐Gómez, J., & Mendoza-Muñoz, M. (2022) · Healthcare · doi:10.3390/healthcare10081403 · Cited by 7
“883) [51], in their meta-analysis in 11 cohorts with a total of 69,037 participants, found that higher levels of PA significantly reduced incident anxiety (OR = 0.”
BackgroundStaff perspectives on obesity within a Welsh secure psychiatric inpatient setting
Davies, J. L., Bagshaw, R., Watt, A. A., Hewlett, P., & Seage, C. H. (2022) · The Journal of Mental Health Training Education and Practice · doi:10.1108/jmhtep-06-2022-0050 · Cited by 6
da Costa, B. G. G., van Rooij, A. J., Tuijnman, A., Saunders, T. J., & Chaput, J. (2023) · Journal of Physical Activity and Health · doi:10.1123/jpah.2022-0485 · Cited by 6
da Silva, B. G. C., Menezes, A. M. B., Gonçalves, H., Alves, C. P. D. L., Delpino, F. M., Martins, R. C., & Wehrmeister, F. C. (2023) · Journal of Physical Activity and Health · doi:10.1123/jpah.2022-0658 · Cited by 8
Feng, R., Wang, S., Yu, J., Zheng, X., Chen, W., Wang, X., & Chang, G. (2023) · Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine · doi:10.3389/fcvm.2023.1226136 · Cited by 6
Correlation Between Obesity and Mental Health Status in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Nasser, K. A. A., Alsaffar, Y. K., & Alhazmi, A. (2024) · Cureus · doi:10.7759/cureus.53976 · Cited by 7
“A statistically significant association was found between physical activity and depression; moderate/severe depression was associated with no or once-a-week physical activity and this was found to be in agreement with the findings of the studies [25, 26, 27].”
ResultMcCartan, C. J., Yap, J., Firth, J., Stubbs, B., Tully, M. A., Best, P., Webb, P., White, C., Gilbody, S. M., Churchill, R. C., et al. (2020) · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · doi:10.1002/14651858.cd013557 · Cited by 6
“[DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.01.014; PUBMED: 26854964] Schuch 2018 Schuch FB, Vancampfort D, Firth J, Rosenbaum S, Ward PB, Silva ES, et al. Physical activity and incident depression: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.”
BackgroundInfluentialSelf-citationPersonality Traits in Marathon Runners and Sedentary Controls With MMPI-2-RF
Roeh, A., Engel, R. R., Lembeck, M., Pross, B., Papazova, I., Schoenfeld, J., Halle, M., Falkai, P., Scherr, J., & Hasan, A. (2020) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00886 · Cited by 8
Chatzisarantis, N. L. D., Kamarova, S., Twomey, C., Hansen, G., Harris, M. N., Windus, J., Bateson, A., & Hagger, M. S. (2020) · European Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1027/2512-8442/a000058 · Cited by 6
Ortaokul öğrencilerinin fiziksel aktiviteye tutum düzeylerinin incelenmesi
Birgün, A., Özen, E., UĞRAŞ, B. S., & PEHLİVAN, B. S. (2020) · International Journal of Mountaineering and Climbing · doi:10.36415/dagcilik.832865 · Cited by 8
Metadata
- Authors
- Schuch, F. B., Vancampfort, D., Firth, J., Rosenbaum, S., Ward, P. B., Silva, E. S., Hallgren, M., Ponce De Leon, A., Dunn, A. L., Deslandes, A. C., Fleck, M. P., Carvalho, A. F., & Stubbs, B.
- Affiliations
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (BR)
- From La Salle University, Canoas, Brazil; the School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy, and Dance and the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; KU Leuven–University of Leuven, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, and University Psychiatric Center, Leuven-Kortenberg, Belgium; the NICM Health Research Institute, School of Science and Health, University of Western Sydney, Sydney, Australia; the School of Psychiatry, University of New South...
- ORCID
- Venue
- American Journal of Psychiatry
- Published
- 2018-07-01
- Volume
- 175
- Issue
- 7
- Pages
- 631-648
- ISSN
- 0002-953X (ISSN-L)
- 1535-7228
- OpenAlex
- W2803008851
- Semantic Scholar
- 4574bb06e26a873ebb0a8607fd5719c390dbe21e
- Cited by
- 1,763
- References
- 84
- Citations by year
- 2026: 270 · 2025: 282 · 2024: 218 · 2023: 254 · 2022: 240 · 2021: 204 · 2020: 158 · 2019: 104 · 2018: 30
- FWCI
- 16.24
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- green
- lirias.kuleuven.be
- Licence
- other-oa
- Locations
- American Journal of Psychiatry (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Lirias (KU Leuven) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
- Figshare (submittedVersion)
- Research Portal (King's College London) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
- Research Explorer (The University of Manchester) (submittedVersion)
- Funders
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (ICA-CL-2017-03-001, APP1123336, NIHR-INF-0685)
- Department of Health and Social Care
- King's College London
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Physical Activity and Health
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Mental Health Treatment and Access
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology (medical) › Treatment of Major Depression
- Keywords
- physical activity, depression, incident depression, protective effect, youth, adults, older adults, depressive symptoms, major depressive disorder, age differences, geographic region
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Depression, Female, Humans, Male, Prospective Studies, Risk, Exercise, Incidence, Odds Ratio
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review
