Journal Article

Associations of Domain‐Specific Physical Activity With Mental Health Symptoms Among Finnish Employed Adults: A Population‐Based Study

Lahti, Jouni, Pulakka, Anna, Halonen, Jaana I., Mikkonen, Santtu, Appelqvist‐Schmidlechner, Kaija, Salo, Paula, Jussila, Juuso J., Lanki, Timo, Ervasti, Jenni

2026

Overview

Leisure‐time physical activity has consistently been associated with better mental health. However, evidence on active commuting and occupational physical activity is less conclusive. We examined cross‐sectional associations of domain‐specific physical activity with depressive symptoms and psychological distress among Finnish employed adults. We included 3439 adults (mean age 45.0 years; 51% female) from the FinHealth 2017 Study. Based on commuting, occupational and leisure‐time physical activity behaviour, participants were categorised as passive or active commuters; sedentary, lightly active or moderately/highly active workers; and sedentary, recreationally active or exercisers/athletes, respectively. Daily active commuting volumes were also assessed. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios, with models adjusted for key covariates. High volumes of active commuting (≥ 30 min a day) were associated with higher odds of depressive symptoms (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.18–2.13), whereas no associations were observed for lower active commuting volumes or when active commuting was analysed as a binary variable. Regarding occupational physical activity, lightly active workers were less likely to experience psychological distress (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.40–0.97) compared to sedentary workers, whereas no associations were observed for moderately or highly active workers. Regarding leisure‐time physical activity, exercisers and athletes had lower odds of depressive symptoms (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.32–0.61) and psychological distress (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.21–0.55) compared to sedentary individuals, as did recreationally active adults. Leisure‐time and light occupational physical activity, but not active commuting, were associated with fewer mental health symptoms. Potential mental health benefits of physical activity may be domain‐ and volume‐specific. Highlights High volumes of active commuting were associated with more depressive symptoms, whereas light occupational physical activity was associated with less psychological distress. Engaging in recreational activities, exercise and sports was linked to better mental health. Mental health outcomes of physical activity may be domain‐ and volume‐specific and promoting leisure‐time physical activity might enhance mental health among employed adults.

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc,Wiley
• Subject: active commuting / Adult / Commuting / Cross country skiing / Cross-Sectional Studies / Depression - epidemiology / depressive symptoms / Exercise / Exercise - psychology / Female / Finland - epidemiology / Humans / Leisure / Leisure Activities - psychology / leisure-time physical activity / Longitudinal studies / Male / Mental depression / Mental disorders / Mental Health / Middle Aged / occupational physical activity / Original Paper / Physical fitness / Psychological Distress / Sedentary Behavior / Self report / Systematic review / Transportation - statistics & numerical data / Walking