Exercise and Depression in Midlife: a Prospective Study

Overview

Journal Am J Public Health

Specialty Public Health

Date 1997 Apr 1

PMID 9146452

Citations 17

Authors

D E Ford

L A Mead

P P Chang

M J Klag

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined the relationship of self-reported physical activity with subsequent depression and psychiatric distress.

Methods: Physical activity was assessed in medical school and midlife in 973 physicians as part of a prospective observational study. Outcome measures were the incidence of self-reported clinical depression and psychiatric distress on the General Health Questionnaire.

Results: The risk of depression was similar for nonexercisers and exercisers. No relationship was observed between physical activity level and subsequent psychiatric distress.

Conclusions: This study found no evidence that exercise reduces risk for depression or psychiatric distress.

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