《Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice》 ›› 2023, Vol. 29 ›› Issue (1): 12-19.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2023.01.003

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Aerobic activity reducing depression in school-age children: a multiple mediation effects analysis based on five dimensions of psychosocial functioning

ZHANG Mengjie1, DAI Yuanfu2, WANG Chen2, XIE Difa3, JIANG Changhao4()   

  1. 1. School of Physical Education and Sport Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
    2. Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing 100191, China
    3. Central Primary School of Donghua Town, Qingyuan, Guangdong 513061, China
    4. Center of Neuroscience and Sports, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing 100089, China
  • Received:2022-10-21 Revised:2022-11-03 Published:2023-01-25 Online:2023-02-17
  • Contact: JIANG Changhao, E-mail: jiangchanghao@cupes.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China(31771244);Beijing Social Science Foundation(19YTA001);Beijing Natural Science Foundation(5212002);National Protein Science Center (Beijing)-Peking University Branch Project(KF-202102)

Abstract:

Objective To explore the mechanism of aerobic capacity on depression in school-age children, and the multiple mediators of the five dimensions of psychosocial functioning (emotional symptoms, conduct problems, peer problems, prosocial behavior and hyperactivity) between aerobic capacity and depression.

Methods From October to December, 2021, pupils of Grade two to Grade five from two primary schools were chester-sampled and investigated using 20-meter multistage shuttle run test, Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children, Self-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.

Results A total of 391 pupils underwent 20-meter multistage shuttle run test, and 312 out of them answering the questionnaires, and 294 questionnaires were valid. Aerobic capacity, depression, emotional symptoms, peer problems, prosocial behavior and hyperactivity were significantly correlated with each other (|r| > 0.127, P < 0.05) (except aerobic capacity and peer problems, and emotional symptoms and prosocial behavior). The results of the multiple mediation effect model showed that aerobic capacity could directly and negatively predict depression, and the mediating effects of emotional symptoms, peer problems, prosocial behavior and hyperactivity were significant, accounting for 34.37%, 12.54%, 34.06% and 17.80% of the total mediating effect, respectively.

Conclusion The aerobic capacity could not only directly affect depression of school-age children, but also improve their psychosocial functioning by reducing emotional symptoms, peer problems and hyperactivity, and increasing prosocial behavior, to indirectly affect their depression.

Key words: school-age children, depression, aerobic capacity, psychosocial functioning

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