Research on Exercise and Depression in Kids

An editorial commentary in Translational Pediatrics found that young people who participate in structured physical activities like sports or gym routines experience greater reductions in depression compared to those who don’t engage in these programs.

The article also noted that adolescents (over 13) with existing mental health conditions saw greater improvements in depressive symptoms than younger children. The benefits of physical activity were similar across different health conditions, meaning participants' physical health didn't significantly affect the outcomes.

Mental health is becoming more important these days, especially since 1 in 7 adolescents aged 10–19 years worldwide deals with a mental health issue. Even though guidelines suggest psychotherapy or medication to treat depression, nearly 80% of children who need help don't get it.

Understanding the Research

Recchia and colleagues conducted a rigorous systematic review, which included 21 trials involving 2,441 participants, and adhered to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) standards to make sure their findings were highly reliable.

The review also included studies in languages like Chinese and Italian and covered participants with various health conditions. Moreover, the researchers carefully assessed potential biases and looked at factors like the amount of physical activity, participants' health, and study design (whether they were randomized trials or not).

It’s important to note that the majority of the studies included in the review are better classified as “exercise interventions” rather than general physical activity. The difference is that exercise is structured and planned, whereas physical activity simply refers to any bodily movement.

Here’s a breakdown of the results:

• Physical activity interventions generally help reduce depressive symptoms in children and adolescents. The average effect size was small (g = -0.29), which indicated a modest benefit.
• Participants who were older than 13 years or had pre-existing mental health conditions experienced more significant reductions in depressive symptoms compared to younger participants or those without such conditions.
• Additional analyses found that exercise programs lasting less than 12 weeks and including three sessions per week might be more effective than other frequencies and durations.

Practical Strategies for Parents, Schools, and Mental Health Professionals

Given the findings above, it is clear that promoting exercise in young people leads to mental health benefits! Caring adults can create opportunities for exercise and make it enjoyable through the following strategies:

• Find out what excites or interests your child. This could be their favorite sport, dancing, or recreational games. The key is to pick activities that resonate with them. This is the first step in creating a plan they will eagerly participate in! Here’s our guide on physical activity.
• Choose low-cost and sustainable activities. The study recommends that physical activity programs need not be expensive. Even without a formal program, you can encourage exercise at home with activities like walking, hiking, cycling, or gardening. These activities are not only cost-effective but they encourage kids to stay active over the long term.
• Help them set small, realistic goals. This is great for building consistency with physical activity. For example, they could start by aiming for 15 minutes of exercise three times a week. Once they get used to this routine, gradually increase the duration or frequency.

The authors added, “Schools and other places that serve youth should prioritize physical activity opportunities, not only for physical health but also for mental well-being.”

For more resources related to health and wellness, check out our Healthy Habits Posters for children and teens.