A recent Finnish study has found that good physical fitness from childhood to adolescence is linked to better mental health in adolescence. These results are significant and timely, as mental health problems are currently a major societal challenge, affecting up to 25%-30% of young people. These findings suggest that improving physical fitness from childhood can help prevent mental health problems.
In a study by the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä and the Institute of Biomedicine at the University of Eastern Finland, the physical fitness of 241 adolescents was followed from childhood to adolescence for eight years. The study showed that better cardiorespiratory fitness and improvements in it from childhood to adolescence were associated with fewer stress and depressive symptoms in adolescence.
Additionally, the study found that better motor fitness from childhood to adolescence was associated with better cognitive function and fewer stress and depressive symptoms. However, the association between motor fitness and depressive symptoms was weaker than the one between cardiorespiratory fitness and depressive symptoms. Screen time measured in adolescence partly explained the associations of cardiorespiratory fitness and motor fitness with mental health.
These findings advocate for investment in physical fitness early in life as a potential strategy for mitigating mental health and cognitive issues in adolescence.
A recent study underscores the positive impact of sustained physical fitness from childhood through adolescence on mental health. Tracking young people over several years, researchers found that maintaining good fitness levels was linked to lower rates of depression, anxiety, and behavioral issues as they matured. The study suggests that regular exercise doesn’t just benefit physical health but also has protective effects on the brain, likely through mechanisms that reduce inflammation, improve sleep quality, and support healthy neurotransmitter function. Notably, kids and teens who engaged in consistent physical activity showed improved mood regulation and resilience to stress, both key aspects of mental well-being.
The findings emphasize the importance of encouraging regular exercise from a young age, not only for physical fitness but as a foundational approach to mental health. Ensuring that children have opportunities for physical activity—whether through sports, active play, or structured exercise—can contribute to their overall emotional stability and mental health as they grow.
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