Abstract
Objective: It is well established that physical activity is inversely associated with depression symptoms. Emerging work demonstrates that, independent of physical activity, sedentary behavior is associated with unfavorable cardiometabolic parameters. Recent work, albeit limited, has observed an independent association of sedentary behavior and depression symptoms. However, no study, to our knowledge, has examined the influences of changes in sedentary behavior on changes in depression symptom, which was the purpose of this pilot study. Methods: In this pilot study, 29 adults (Agemean = 36.8; 79% female) completed a survey at baseline and again approximately 2-months later. Sedentary behavior (TV and computer use) and depression (PHQ-9), along with potential confounders (e.g., physical activity, anxiety), were subjectively assessed. Results: In a series of nested, sequential multivariable regression models, increases in sedentary behavior over the follow-up period was associated with increased depression symptomology (βadjusted = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.06-1.23; P=0.03). There was no evidence to suggest a bi-directional relationship, in that changes in depression was not associated with follow-up sedentary behavior (β = 0.31; 95% CI: -0.08-71; P=0.11). Conclusion: Increases in sedentary behavior were associated with increased depression symptomology. Future replicative work is needed.