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Exploring the relationship between physical activity and Inhibitory Function in College Students with depressive
Zhao Jinlei1, Si Yanran2, Ding Feng3
1School of Sports and Health, Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance , Shanghai, China.
Scientific Reports
|January 24, 2025
Summary
Physical activity positively impacts inhibitory function in college students with depression. Specific electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns in the central, parietal, and temporal regions mediate this relationship, highlighting potential intervention targets.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Sports Science
Background:
- College students with depressive symptoms often exhibit impaired inhibitory function.
- Physical activity is recognized for its benefits on mental health and cognitive function.
- The neural mechanisms linking physical activity to cognitive control in depression remain underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between physical activity levels and inhibitory function in college students experiencing depressive symptoms.
- To examine the mediating role of resting electroencephalogram (EEG) measures in the relationship between physical activity and inhibitory function.
- To identify specific brain regions and EEG patterns involved in this association.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 154 college students with depressive symptoms.
- Assessment of physical activity using the Physical Activity Rating Scale and depressive symptoms via the Beck Depression Inventory-II.
- Measurement of inhibitory function using behavioral tasks and resting-state EEG signals to analyze brain activity patterns (delta and beta1 lateralization).
Main Results:
- Adequate physical activity was associated with better response inhibition and lower depression scores.
- A significant positive correlation was observed between physical activity and accuracy on No-go tasks.
- Delta and beta1 lateralization in central, parietal, and temporal regions positively correlated with both physical activity and response inhibition, acting as significant mediators.
Conclusions:
- Physical activity is closely linked to improved inhibitory function in college students with depressive symptoms.
- Specific EEG indicators, particularly delta band lateralization in the central, parietal, and temporal regions, serve as neural pathways mediating this effect.
- Findings suggest that physical activity interventions targeting these brain regions may enhance cognitive control in depressed student populations.
