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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2009 Oct;34(9):929-39.
doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsp007. Epub 2009 Feb 16.

Exercise effects on depressive symptoms and self-worth in overweight children: a randomized controlled trial

Karen H Petty  1 , Catherine L Davis, Joseph Tkacz, Deborah Young-Hyman, Jennifer L Waller
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Exercise effects on depressive symptoms and self-worth in overweight children: a randomized controlled trial

Karen H Petty et al. J Pediatr Psychol. 2009 Oct.

Abstract

Objective: To test the dose-response effects of an exercise program on depressive symptoms and self-worth in children.

Method: Overweight, sedentary children (N = 207, 7-11 years, 58% male, 59% Black) were randomly assigned to low or high dose (20 or 40 min/day) aerobic exercise programs (13 +/- 1.6 weeks), or control group. Children completed the Reynolds Child Depression Scale and Self-Perception Profile for Children at baseline and posttest.

Results: A dose-response benefit of exercise was detected for depressive symptoms. A race x group interaction showed only White children's global self-worth (GSW) improved. There was some evidence that increased self-worth mediated the effect on depressive symptoms.

Conclusions: This study shows dose-response benefits of exercise on depressive symptoms and self-worth in children. However, Blacks did not show increased GSW in response to the intervention. Results provide some support for mediation of the effect of exercise on depressive symptoms via self-worth.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Flow diagram of a dose–response trial of exercise in overweight children with results for secondary outcomes (Harter Self Perception Profile for Children and Reynolds Child Depression Scale).
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Effect of exercise on posttest total score from the Reynolds Child Depression Scale (adjusting for baseline RCDS score and BMI z-score change; significant linear contrast indicates dose–response).
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Race by group interaction on posttest Global Self-Worth scores from the Self Perception Profile for Children (adjusting for baseline GSW score and BMI z-score change).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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