Participation in Higher Intensity Physical Activity Predicts Lower Depressive Symptom Incidence in College Students.

The prevalence of depression and insufficient physical activity (PA) continue to rise in the United States, particularly among college students. PA is typically associated with decreased levels of depressive symptoms; however, the association between different intensities of PA and depressive symptoms is unclear among college students. The aim of this study was to examine how well weekly moderate PA (MPA), vigorous PA (VPA) and strength training (ST) volumes predicted depressive symptoms in college students.

Differences in United States college student physical activity and exercise self-efficacy based on gender and race/ethnicity.

Objective: Disparities in physical activity (PA) and PA antecedents, such as exercise self-efficacy, based on the intersection of gender and race/ethnicity among college students are poorly understood. This study aimed to examine differences in PA and exercise self-efficacy based on the intersection of gender and race/ethnicity.

Methods: An online survey collected data on demographics (age, gender, race/ethnicity), PA, and exercise self-efficacy from students ( = 5341) enrolled in general health and wellness at a large Northeastern U.