An insight into physical activity across domains: implications for depression and perceived health

Abstract

ABSTRACT Research question The main purpose of this paper is to gain a better understanding of the potential beneficial effects of leisure-time, travel and work-related physical activity on diagnosed depression and perceived health. The effects of smoking and drinking lifestyles are accounted for as well. Previous economics research has primarily focused on examining the effects of leisure - time physical activity on physical health outcomes. However, non-recreational physical activity domains as well as their effects on mental conditions have received less attention. Research methods A multivariate probit model of diagnosed depression, self-assessed health, regular recreational physical activity, active travel, physical activity during principal daily activities, regular drinking and current smoking behaviour was applied using a sample of 16,121 adults from the 2014 European Health Survey in Spain. Results and findings There is evidence that the physical activity domain is relevant to health outcomes but the results are heterogeneous. While both work-related and travel-related domains reduce the likelihood of depression and contribute to better self-perceived health, the recreational domain has no direct influence on health. Moreover, unobservable effects suggest a positive correlation between the physical activity domains. The same applies to health outcomes as depression and poor subjective health are positively correlated. Implications This research contributes to the literature by demonstrating that there are heterogeneous effects of physical activity on health. Findings support actions that prioritize physical activity in the non-recreational domains. Bringing physical activity into the daily routine would mitigate the burden of physical and mental conditions in healthcare systems.