Association between domain-based physical activity and C-reactive protein in adults with moderate to severe depressive symptoms.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between domain-based physical activity and C-reactive protein levels in people with moderate to severe depressive symptoms.

METHODS

We included data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, collected between 2017 and 2020. A total of 567 adults aged = 18 years (347 women, mean age: 46.3 years) classified with moderate to severe depressive symptoms according to the Patient Health Questionnaire were included. The Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess total and domain-based physical activity levels. A negative binomial regression model was used for data analysis, adjusting for relevant confounders.

RESULTS

Leisure-time physical activity was associated with lower C-reactive protein levels (incidence rate ratio = 0.77; 95%CI 0.66-0.90; p < 0.001). Transportation-related and occupational physical activity were not associated with C-reactive protein levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Leisure-time physical activity was associated with lower C-reactive protein levels in people with depressive symptoms, which suggests that promoting leisure-time physical activity could be an important strategy for reducing inflammation in individuals with depressive symptoms.