Year: 2017
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Elevated levels of adiposity in children have been tied to various pathologies including increased depressive symptomology. Aerobic fitness has been associated with reductions in adiposity and depressive symptomology and may moderate the association between these variables. This study examined this association. Five hundred and two children completed questionnaires on depressive symptoms, were tested for VO2 Peak , and underwent a DEXA scan to measure adiposity. Adiposity and aerobic fitness were tested as predictors of depressive symptomology while controlling for age, pubertal status and socioeconomic status. For boys, aerobic fitness but not adiposity was a significant correlate of depressive symptomology. The interaction between adiposity and aerobic fitness was significant. In girls, adiposity but not aerobic fitness was a significant correlate of depressive symptomology. The interaction between adiposity and aerobic fitness was not significant. These findings highlight sex-specific factors, which may inform targeted approaches to prevent and treat depressive symptoms in children.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Authors: Di Fonzo, Joseph P. Michael
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2803851757