Effects of physical activity in child and adolescent depression and anxiety: role of inflammatory cytokines and stress-related peptide hormones

Abstract

Depression and anxiety are the most common mental illnesses affecting children and adolescents, significantly harming their well-being. Research has shown that regular physical activity can promote cognitive, emotional, fundamental movement skills, and motor coordination, as a preventative measure for depression while reducing the suicide rate. However, little is known about the potential role of physical activity in adolescent depression and anxiety. The studies reviewed in this paper suggest that exercise can be an effective adjunctive treatment to improve depressive and anxiety symptoms in adolescents, although research on its neurobiological effects remains limited.

Adolescent mental health interventions: a narrative review of the positive effects of physical activity and implementation strategies

“…Specifically, Physical Activity enhances cognitive function by increasing cerebral blood flow and promoting neurotrophic factor release, which is vital during adolescence, a critical period for brain development ( Goldberg et al, 2002 ; Prickett et al, 2015 ; Nakano et al, 2016 ). Additionally, it enhances emotion regulation by boosting the secretion of endorphins, alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improving self-esteem and self-efficacy ( Anderson and Shivakumar, 2013 ; Hu et al, 2020 , 2023 ). Physical Activity also serves as an effective tool for stress relief, helping adolescents divert focus from stressors and cultivate long-term positive coping habits ( Hu et al, 2023 ; Teuber et al, 2024 ).…”

“…Additionally, it enhances emotion regulation by boosting the secretion of endorphins, alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improving self-esteem and self-efficacy ( Anderson and Shivakumar, 2013 ; Hu et al, 2020 , 2023 ). Physical Activity also serves as an effective tool for stress relief, helping adolescents divert focus from stressors and cultivate long-term positive coping habits ( Hu et al, 2023 ; Teuber et al, 2024 ). Furthermore, participation in team sports fosters social skills, cooperation, and understanding, thereby enhancing psychological well-being, self-esteem, and social identity among adolescents ( Moeijes et al, 2018 ; Guddal et al, 2019 ; Logan et al, 2019 ).…”

“… The specific advantages of sports activities on the mental health of adolescents ( Goldberg et al, 2002 ; Anderson and Shivakumar, 2013 ; Prickett et al, 2015 ; Nakano et al, 2016 ; Moeijes et al, 2018 ; Guddal et al, 2019 ; Logan et al, 2019 ; Hu et al, 2020 , 2023 ; Teuber et al, 2024 ). …”

“…Furthermore, exercise can also enhance self-esteem and self-efficacy among adolescents, both of which are crucial factors in positive emotion regulation. Research suggests that physical activity not only aids in neurogenesis but also improves brain function and mental health by increasing the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) ( Hu et al, 2020 , 2023 ). These mechanisms collectively make physical activity an effective means of improving mental health.…”

“…Physical activity is regarded as an effective tool for stress release. Studies suggest that through exercise, adolescents can divert their focus from stressors (such as academic pressure and interpersonal relationships) to physical Activity, aiding in alleviating feelings of tension and anxiety ( Hu et al, 2023 ; Teuber et al, 2024 ). Moreover, regular engagement in physical activity also helps in cultivating a habit of positive stress coping over the long term, thereby reducing stress-related psychological issues ( Hu et al, 2023 ).…”