Results of a study indicate that regular physical activity improves the mental health of adolescents and helps with behavioral issues. The study found that participating in moderate to vigorous physical activity regularly at 11 years old was linked to improved mental health between 11 and 13 years old.
DOI: 10.1016/j.mhpa.2022.100497
Physical activity was also linked to a reduction in hyperactivity and behavioral issues in young individuals, which included stealing, lying, fighting with other kids, and loss of temper.
Data were analyzed from the Children of the 90s study. The physical activity of 4755 11-year-olds was measured by making use of devices.
The devices measured moderate physical activity levels, generally defined as cycling or brisk walking, in addition to vigorous activity that increases breathing and heart rate, which included swimming, jogging, and aerobic dancing.
Depressive symptom levels from 11 to 13 years old were reported by the young individuals and their parents. The teachers and parents of the participants were also questioned regarding the general behavior and emotional issues of the young individuals.
In analyzing the effect that moderate to vigorous exercise had on the mental health and behavior of the young individuals, factors were also taken into consideration which included socioeconomic status, sex, and age.
It was observed that higher moderate or intense physical activity levels had a small yet noticeable connection to reductions in emotional issues and depressive symptoms.
Regular exercise had a small yet noticeable connection to reduced behavioral issues, even after other possible factors had been accounted for.
The results indicate that regular moderate and intense physical activity could have a small protective influence on early adolescent mental health.
This study adds to the growing evidence regarding how important physical activity is for all aspects of development in young individuals. It can help them improve at school and feel better. Supporting young individuals to live healthy active lives ought to be a priority.
Although it may seem obvious that mental health is improved with physical activity there has been little evidence for such a benefit in young individuals and children, so the results of the study are significant. The results are also significant because less than a 3rd of pre-teens worldwide achieve the daily 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity activity recommended by the WHO.
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