Physical activity and depressive symptoms in rural adolescents

Physical activity participation and its effect on mood are not well understood in rural adolescents. Data collected from 852 9th and 10th graders (age in years: M = 14.8, SE = 0.02) in three northwestern U.S. public high schools were analyzed to determine physical activity and physical education (PE) class participation, and to examine the relationship between physical activity and mood. A significantly lower proportion of females compared to males reported participating in a daily PE class and exercising vigorously. Controlling for health status, gender, and school, vigorous exercise was significantly associated with a lower score on Children's Depression Inventory. The results of this study highlight the need for additional research on factors affecting physical activity participation in rural students, particularly females.