title: Longitudinal associations between physical activity and depression scores in Swedish women followed 32 years.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Physical activity is negatively associated with depressive symptoms. However, few studies consider dynamic associations of changes in physical activity and reciprocal relationships. This study aimed to perform comprehensive evaluations of relationships between physical activity and depression scores in women followed from mid- to late life.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Prospective Population Study of Women in Gothenburg, Sweden, provided repeated measures of self-reported physical activity and depressive symptoms between 1974 and 2005 (baseline N = 676, 84.5% response rate). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, and physical activity was evaluated by the Saltin-Grimby Physical Activity Level Scale. Latent growth curve analyses were used to evaluate associations of change, and cross-lagged models were used to study the reciprocal relationship between physical activity and depression scores.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At baseline, lower levels of physical activity were related to higher depression scores. Individuals with decreasing physical activity over time evidenced higher depression scores at 32-year follow-up. Higher average baseline depression score was related to declining levels of physical activity at subsequent examinations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Reduced physical activity may be a long-term consequence of depression. It is important to address individual changes in physical activity and not merely absolute levels of physical activity in relationship to depression.
authors: Department for Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Gudmundsson
authors: Department of Food and Nutrition, and Sport Science, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.|Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Lindwall
authors: Department for Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.|Department of Neurology, State University of New York - Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
authors: D R
authors: DR
authors: Gustafson
authors: Department for Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Östling
authors: Department for Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Hällström
authors: Department for Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Waern
authors: Department for Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.
authors: I
authors: I
authors: Skoog
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology
keywords: change; depression scores; physical activity; women