Stability and Change in Latent Movement Behaviour Profiles During Adolescence and links with Future Depressive Symptoms

Movement behaviours are known to influence long-term health and wellbeing. During adolescence, daily movement diminishes while depressive symptoms increase. The principle of time displacement dictates that when awake, altering time spent in one movement state (i.e., Sedentary, Light Physical Activity or Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity) necessarily alters time spent in others, yet few studies examine daily movement behaviour using composite behavioural profiles. The current study used Random Intercepts Latent Transition Analysis (RI-LTA) to: identify latent profiles of movement behaviour age 12, 14 and 16; examine transition probabilities and predictors; and assess whether transition patterns contributed to depressive symptoms age 18 and 22. Data were drawn from 4,964 participants in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and their Children. Movement behaviours were assessed via Actigraph (AM7164-2.2) accelerometery; depressive symptoms via the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire. A 3 × 3 non-invariant RI-LTA model fit the data well (BIC = 410417; Entropy = 0.902) distinguishing Maximal-, Moderate-, and Minimal-Movers. Once accounting for non-invariance (i.e., that all profiles moved less over time), the Moderate-Mover profile presented as highly stable across adolescence. Females, and those with higher BMI and more educated parents were likely to transition to profiles characterised by lesser movement. Transition patterns containing a period of minimal movement predicted worse depressive symptoms at ages 18 and 22. Notably, maximal movement age 12 conferred protection against depressive symptoms age 22, even when followed by later declines. Findings highlight the value of maximising movement early, underscoring the importance of early intervention strategies to promote movement and reduce young peoples’ depressive symptoms long-term.