Review articlePhysical activity and sedentary behavior in people with major depressive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

- People with MDD are less physically active compared to matched controls.
- People with MDD engage in higher levels of sedentary behavior versus controls.
- Approximately two thirds of people with MDD do not meet physical activity recommendations.
- Different estimates of physical activity and sedentary behavior may be obtained using self-report versus objective measures.
- Older age and female gender predict lower moderate and vigorous physical activity in people with MDD.

BackgroundLow levels of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease and premature mortality in people with major depressive disorder (MDD).AimsInvestigate levels of PA and SB and their predictors in people with MDD.MethodsElectronic databases were searched from inception till 04/2016 for articles measuring PA and SB with a self-report questionnaire (SRQ) or objective measure (e.g. accelerometer) in people with MDD. Random-effects meta-analyses and meta-regression analyses were conducted.ResultsTwenty-four eligible studies were identified including 2901 people with MDD (78.4% female, mean age=54 years; range: 21-77 years). People with MDD spent 126.0 min (95%CI=91.9-160.1) per day engaging in all types of PA and spent 8.5 hours (95%CI=7.51-9.62) during their waking day being sedentary. Compared to controls, people with MDD spent less time in total PA (SMD=−0.25, 95%CI=−0.03 to 0.15) and moderate to vigorous PA (SMD=−0.30, 95%CI=−0.40 to 0.21) and engaged in higher levels of SB (SMD=0.09, 95%CI=0.01-0.18). The proportion of people with MDD not meeting the recommended PA guidelines was 67.8% (n=13 studies), which was higher in studies relying on objective versus self-report measures (85.7% v 62.1%, p=0.04). People with MDD were less likely than controls to meet recommended PA guidelines (OR=−1.50, 95%CI=−1.10 to −2.10).LimitationsHeterogeneity was evident in most analyses.ConclusionsAdults with MDD engage in low levels of PA and high levels of SB. PA and SB are independent predictors of mortality, therefore, future lifestyle interventions targeting both the prevention of SB and adoption and maintenance of PA are warranted.