Physical activity and mental health in children and adolescents: a review of reviews

Abstract

ObjectiveTo synthesise reviews investigating physical activity and depression, anxiety, self-esteem and cognitive functioning in children and adolescents and to assess the association between sedentary behaviour and mental health by performing a brief review.MethodsSearches were performed in 2010. Inclusion criteria specified review articles reporting chronic physical activity and at least one mental health outcome that included depression, anxiety/stress, self-esteem and cognitive functioning in children or adolescents.ResultsFour review articles reported evidence concerning depression, four for anxiety, three for self-esteem and seven for cognitive functioning. Nine primary studies assessed associations between sedentary behaviour and mental health. Physical activity has potentially beneficial effects for reduced depression, but the evidence base is limited. Intervention designs are low in quality, and many reviews include cross-sectional studies. Physical activity interventions have been shown to have a small beneficial effect for reduced anxiety, but the evidence base is limited. Physical activity can lead to improvements in self-esteem, at least in the short term. However, there is a paucity of good quality research. Reviews on physical activity and cognitive functioning have provided evidence that routine physical activity can be associated with improved cognitive performance and academic achievement, but these associations are usually small and inconsistent. Primary studies showed consistent negative associations between mental health and sedentary behaviour.ConclusionsAssociation between physical activity and mental health in young people is evident, but research designs are often weak and effects are small to moderate. Evidence shows small but consistent associations between sedentary screen time and poorer mental health.

Physical activity in European adolescents and associations with anxiety, depression and well-being

“…Our findings of small but significant associations between physical activity and mental health are consistent with previous findings [7]. Although statistically significant, differences we have reported between more and less active adolescents in terms of anxiety and depressive symptoms may not be clinically meaningful.…”

“…An association between physical activity and mental health in children and adolescents has also been reported, but research designs are often weak and effects small to moderate [7,8]. A systematic review of randomised controlled trials of exercise interventions for anxiety and depression in children and adolescents reported a small effect in favour of physical activity in reducing depression and anxiety levels in the general population [9], while sedentary behaviour has been reported to be associated with anxiety disorder [10].…”

Secular Trends in Depressive Symptoms Among Norwegian Adolescents from 1992 to 2010

“…Moreover, studies have indicated that variables related to appearance, such as appearance dissatisfaction and body mass index (BMI), may be risk factors for depressive symptoms (Bearman & Stice, 2008;Needham & Crosnoe, 2005;Paxton, Neumark-Sztainer, Hannan, & Eisenberg, 2006). Likewise, there is some support for that lack of exercise is increasing the likelihood for experiencing depressive symptoms (Biddle & Asare, 2011). Finally, as noted above, family structure variables, and particular single parenthood, may be risk factors for depressive symptoms (Jablonska & Lindberg, 2007).…”

Exercise Improves Academic Performance

“…Physical activity may improve academic performance through enhanced psychological health, habit formation, and changes in the brain, supporting cognitive function and learning (Biddle and Asare, 2011;Booth et al, 2012;Reiner et al 2013;Khan and Hillman, 2014;Mura et al, 2015). At the same time, it may also worsen academic performance by directing time and attention away from studying.…”