Improvements in physical activity and depression symptoms: an observational study of users of a multi-modal digital mental health platform

TL;DR

This study found that a digital mental health platform helped improve physical activity and reduce depression symptoms in users over three months.

Contribution

The study demonstrates the potential of digital mental health platforms to positively impact both mental and physical health outcomes.

Findings

Baseline MVPA was negatively correlated with depression symptoms (r = -0.19, p < 0.001).

66.9% of adults at risk of depression improved or recovered (p < 0.001).

Underactive individuals increased physical activity by 117% (p < 0.001).

Abstract

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and depression symptoms have a longstanding, inverse relationship. This short-term study examined the patterns of MVPA and prevalence of depression symptoms among adults seeking care from an employer-sponsored, multi-modal digital mental health platform.

Adults (n = 755) with access to the platform enrolled in an online, observational study over 3 months. Baseline and longitudinal analyses were conducted on self-report MVPA and depression symptoms. Rates of activity and symptom improvement and maintenance were evaluated.

Approximately 47% of participants were physically underactive at baseline, defined as <150 min of physical activity per week. Men participated in more physical activity than women (p = 0.005), while women and individuals identifying as gender non-binary reported more depression symptoms than men (ps < 0.05). Older adults reported fewer depression symptoms than younger adults (r = −0.16, p < 0.001). Baseline MVPA baseline was negatively correlated with depression symptoms (r = −0.19, p < 0.001). Depression scores significantly improved, with 66.9% of adults at risk of depression improving or recovering (p < 0.001) and 94% of adults with low depression symptoms maintaining this status over time (p = 0.004). Physical activity participation improved by 117% among individuals deemed underactive at baseline (p < 0.001), while individuals who were active at baseline maintained high levels of physical activity (p = 0.06).

Adults with access to a multi-modal digital mental health platform reported significant beneficial changes in depression symptoms and physical activity participation. Digital mental health tools may have the potential to elicit positive change in physical health domains, as well as mental health.