The Impact of Physical Activity and Lifestyle on Mental Health: A Network Analysis

This study aimed to investigate the association between physical activity (PA), lifestyle, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

A cross-sectional study was carried out using an online questionnaire. PA (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), lifestyle (Short Multidimensional Inventory Lifestyle Evaluation), and mental health (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21) were assessed. Mean scores were compared between groups of physically active and inactive participants, controlling for gender, education, and income. Furthermore, associations were made between the variables, and individual network analyses were carried out for each mental health domain. The sample consisted of 353 individuals (age = 33.8 [12.2], 59.2% women).

In network analyses, PA was indirectly related to depression and stress through the relationship with other lifestyle domains such as diet and nutrition or through stress management and social support. The same path was observed for anxiety; however, a direct partial correlation was also observed between PA and anxiety, suggesting that PA seems to intervene more directly in this aspect of mental health.

It is concluded that PA is indirectly (via stress management, diet and nutrition, and social support) associated with depression and stress and has direct and indirect associations (via stress management and social support) with anxiety.