Self-reported physical activity and aerobic fitness are differently related to mental health

BackgroundA relevant, but overlooked question is if self-reported physical activity and aerobic fitness are differently related to mental health.PurposeTo examine the relation between mental health and level of self-reported physical activity (SRPA) and aerobic fitness (AF), and whether AF mediates the relation between SRPA and mental health.MethodsParticipating in the study were 177 voluntary subjects (49% men, 51% women) with a mean age of 39 years. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were measured through the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale, and the Shirom-Melamed Burnout Questionnaire (SMBQ) was used to evaluate self-reported symptoms of burnout. Leisure time SRPA during the last three months were measured using a single item. AF was measured by using the Åstrand bicycle test.ResultsSelf-reported physical activity, but not AF, was significantly related to self-reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, and burnout. Light to moderate physical activity that is performed regularly seems to be associated with more favorable mental health pattern compared with physical inactivity. No support was found for the mediating effect of AF of the physical activity–mental health relationship.ConclusionsSelf-reported behavior of regular physical activity seems to be more important to monitor than measures of AF when considering the potential preventive effects of physical activity on mental health.

► Self-reported physical activity, but not aerobic fitness, is related to mental health.
► Aerobic fitness does not mediate the physical activity–mental health relation.
► Even low doses of regular activity are favorable for mental health.
► Single item measures of physical activity can be useful in clinical practice.