Domain-specific physical activity and depressive symptoms in Korean adults: An isotemporal substitution study using KNHANES data.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although the mental health benefits of physical activity are well-established, they appear more pronounced when engaging in leisure activities rather than work-based efforts. This phenomenon is often referred to as the physical activity paradox. While leisure activity is often linked to reduced likelihood of depression, the influence of occupational physical activity remains less clearly understood, especially during periods of social disruption such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This study analyzed data from 26,454 Korean adults aged 19 years and older who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) in 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9),

SUBMITTER: Park J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12818874 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature