Experimentally investigating the joint effects of physical activity and sedentary behavior on depression and anxiety: A randomized controlled trial

We provide experimental evidence that reducing habitual physical activity causes an increase in depression symptomology among young active adults. We did not, however, observe a joint effect of sedentary behavior and exercise on changes in anxiety and depression. At this point, it is still uncertain as to whether reduced MVPA or increased sedentary behavior were driving the observed changes in psychological function. Future research may help determine if these negative effects are from increased sedentary behavior or a reduction in MVPA.