Sixth graders who are physically fit, particularly girls, are not as likely to report feeling depressed when they reach seventh grade, a new study suggests. The study was presented at the American Psychological Association’s 122nd Annual Convention.

Despite consideration of existing symptoms such as depression and weight, researchers found that the sixth grade girls who had better performance on a cardiovascular fitness test were not as likely to feel depressed upon being surveyed again in seventh grade. The findings, presented by Camilo Ruggero, PhD, of the University of North Texas, suggest that there was a similar but less notable effect on depression in boys.

A total of 437 students participated in the study, of which 55 percent were girls. Participants in the sixth and seventh grades were asked questions regarding their symptoms of depression and fitness.

Ruggero said in a statement, “A student’s physical activity level may change from week to week, whereas fitness is a result of more prolonged physical activity.” He continued, “Assessing the students’ body mass index, how well they performed on a shuttle-run test and their own feelings of personal fitness helps to give us a more complete picture of each student’s fitness level.”

According to Ruggero, 28 percent of sixth grade girls and 29 percent of seventh grade girls had increased symptoms of depression. The same was true for 22 percent of seventh grade boys and 19 percent of eight grade boys.

According to the Mayo Clinic, depression is a mood disorder characterized by ongoing feelings of sadness and loss of interest.