It is a secret weapon.
A recent study highlights the potential of physical activity and sports participation in childhood to significantly reduce the risk of mental health problems later in adolescence. Researchers found that children who engaged in regular exercise and joined sports teams were less likely to experience issues such as depression, anxiety, and addiction as they transitioned into their teenage years. The findings were published on May 13 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
The study tracked nearly 16,400 Swedish children born between 1997 and 1999. Data on physical activity and involvement in organized sports were collected at ages 5, 8, and 11, while mental health outcomes were monitored through age 18. Researchers discovered that for every hour of daily physical activity at age 11, the risk of developing a mental health condition before adulthood dropped by 12%. These results suggest that promoting physical activity from a young age may serve as a preventative measure for mental health challenges.
Interestingly, the research also revealed notable differences between boys and girls. Boys appeared to benefit earlier and more significantly from physical activity, showing reduced risks of depression, anxiety, and addiction starting as early as age 5. For instance, boys who were active at age 11 had a 29% lower risk of depression, compared to an 18% reduction among girls. Conversely, the benefits for girls were more modest and emerged later.
Organized sports had a protective effect for both sexes, although the degree of impact varied. Participation in sports was linked to a 23% lower risk of mental health issues for boys and a 12% reduction for girls. When looking at specific diagnoses, boys saw a 35% decrease in depression risk, while girls experienced an 11% decrease. Addiction risk also dropped notably—by 41% in girls and 30% in boys—through sports involvement.
The researchers suggest that the differences in how physical activity affects boys and girls may be due to hormonal changes or behavioral factors. They emphasize the importance of early adolescence, particularly between ages 10 and 12, as a pivotal time for building mental resilience through physical activity. These insights point to the need for greater attention from policymakers and health professionals to incorporate movement and sports into youth development strategies.
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