New Study Reveals Exercise Can Reduce Depression Among Youth

January 20, 2023

Depression is the “second most prevalent mental disorder among children and adolescents” with an estimated 6.3% affected globally. However, new research published this month in JAMA Paediatrics has shown that physical activity can alleviate symptoms of depression among this demographic and improve mental health.

The research was conducted by a group of international researchers to determine the association of physical activity with depressive symptoms. They reviewed 21 studies involving 2,400 children and teens who were assessed across a wide range of physical activity programs including dancing, swimming, running and an array of sports. 

"This is the first time that we've been able to put enough studies together so that we can make a pretty good conclusion to answer the question, 'Is physical activity and exercise good for children with depressive symptoms?'" said co-study author Walter Thompson, a retired professor of exercise physiology with Georgia State University. "The answer is overwhelmingly yes."

Available clinical practice guidelines in the research suggest the use of psychotherapy to alleviate depressive symptoms in children and adolescents, however, lack of time, fear of stigmatization and parental mistrust of therapists can be strong barriers to this treatment. Therefore, this study assessed the effectiveness of other interventions such as physical activity, as its “generally safer and more accessible than other clinical depression treatments.”

Characteristics of physical activity itself also appeared to make a difference. Engaging in physical activity three times per week was linked with the greatest reduction in depressive symptoms. However, over-exertion in physical activities could have a negative effect on overall wellbeing and mental health. Exercise programs shorter than 12 weeks were found to be the most beneficial.

The analysis suggests a strong association between physical activity and mental health according to Parco Siu, a lead author of the paper and head of the division of kinesiology at the University of Hong Kong’s School of Public Health. The research suggests that ten to 15 sessions of physical activity sessions per month were linked to the greatest mental health benefits.

The researchers found certain factors that may predict who would reap the biggest mental health benefits from physical activity. For example, teens aged 13 and older, those with a pre-existing mental illness and those with a depression diagnosis saw the biggest positive impact on their mental health through physical activity.

“The evidence that physical activity is an effective medicine for mental health is robust; now we need to find ways to get people to take it,” the researchers concluded. They also shared that more research is needed to establish optimal physical activity parameters for depressive symptom management.

Sources: Wall Street Journal, HealthDay News