Isotemporal analysis of the association of objectively measured physical activity with depressive symptoms: Results from hispanic community health study/study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

Background: The burden of depression among Hispanics/Latinos indicates the need to identify factors related to depressive symptoms. This paper examines the relationship of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) with depressive symptoms in Hispanic/Latinos. Methods: The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) is a population-based, cohort study of Hispanic/Latinos in 4 United States metropolitan areas. Objectively measured PA was coded into: sedentary behavior (SB), light-intensity (LPA), moderate-intensity (MPA), and vigorous-intensity (VPA); and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale-10 assessed depressive symptoms. Multiple regression analysis utilizing isotemporal substitution, adjusted for relevant covariates, examined PA as predictors of depressive symptoms. Results: Substitution of 1 hour of SB with VPA resulted in a signifcant decrease in depressive symptoms (β = -1.215, P = .021). Similar decreases were observed when VPA replaced LPA (β = -1.212, P = .021) and MPA (β = -1.50 P = .034). MPA and LPA were not associated with lower depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Previous research has focused on the relationship of MVPA on depressive symptoms. Our results suggest these constructs should be examined separately as they may have unique.