Physical activity and depression in men: Increased activity duration and intensity associated with lower likelihood of current depression

Objectives: Depression is a significant public health issue for men, however men are less likely to use mental health services. Alternative interventions, such as physical activity, may be of value for this population. This study sought to determine what levels and intensity of physical activity are associated with lower depression prevalence in Australian men. Methods: Using baseline data from 13,884 participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health we compared current depression in men who completed the recommended 150 min of physical activity in the past week with men who did not. Duration of activity was examined using logistic regression with restricted cubic splines. Intensity of physical activity was examined by isotemporal substitution of hours of moderate activity with hours of vigorous activity. Results: Men who completed at least 150 min/week of activity had lower odds of moderate/severe depression symptoms. Duration of activity was inversely associated with moderate/severe depression symptoms. Among physically active men, each additional hour of moderate activity replaced with vigorous activity was associated with lower odds of depression. Limitations: This is a cross-sectional study and so cannot determine causal direction in the relationship between physical activity and depression symptoms observed. Self-report measures of physical activity are widely used but are not as accurate as biometric measurement. Conclusions: In adult men, meeting minimum recommendations is associated with lower current depression. Increased duration and greater intensity of activity were both associated with further reduction in prevalence. Promoting higher levels of physical activity is potentially an intervention for improving men's mental wellbeing.