The association between depressive symptoms and physical status including physical activity, aerobic and muscular fitness tests in children.

The aims of the study were to explore the association between depressive symptoms (DS), physical activity (PA), aerobic and muscular fitness in a sample of children. Four hundred and fifty-six schoolboys aged 7-11-year-old underwent standard anthropometry and various physical fitness tests (e.g., aerobic fitness, strength, speed, power, agility and flexibility). DS and PA were obtained by questionnaires. After adjustment for potential confounders (e.g., age, socioeconomic status and adiposity), PA was significantly and negatively related to DS (P < 0.05). Among the physical fitness tests, just time in one-mile run/walk was significantly related to DS (P < 0.05). Physical activity and aerobic fitness were significantly correlated with DS; however, no significant relationship was observed between DS and the muscular fitness tests in the children.