Exercise reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety in children and adolescents reported a new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
“Exercise is a low-cost, widely accessible strategy that could make a real difference to children’s mental health. And while people know that exercise is generally good for your health and wellbeing, there is little evidence that shows how exercise works for kids nor the types of exercise that might work better than others,” said lead author of the study, Dr Ben Singh, postdoctoral researcher in Population and Digital Health at the University of South Australia, in a press release.
The researchers conducted a systematic umbrella review of 21 systematic reviews including 375 randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of exercise on symptoms of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents. Altogether, the studies included over 38,000 participants aged between 5 and 18 years old who had clinical conditions including depression, psychosocial disorders, obesity, and cancer. Healthy individuals were also included in the analyses.
Ultimately, the researchers found that symptoms of anxiety improved most via low-intensity resistance exercises such as light weights and gentle circuit activities. Meanwhile, depression improved most via moderate-intensity, mixed-mode, and resistance training, especially in programs lasting under three months. Children with depression and ADHD saw the greatest improvements.
“Our study draws together global evidence to show that gentle, light-intensity exercise is highly effective in reducing anxiety in children and teens, while medium-intensity programs that combine resistance and aerobic training – like circuits with weights – can counteract depression,” said Singh.
“Importantly, it demonstrates how exercise is an effective, accessible, lifestyle intervention that can immediately improve mental health issues in children, without first defaulting to medicines,” he added.
Sources: EurekAlert, Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
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