Unexpected Way To Supercharge Kids’ Mental Health
A recent study has revealed that children who are physically fit are more likely to develop better mental health and cognitive function as teenagers. The research indicated that those who excelled in shuttle sprints, a measure of fitness, performed better on cognitive assessments later in their adolescent years. Furthermore, higher levels of cardiovascular fitness in childhood were linked to reduced stress and depression during teenage years.
Eero Haapala, the lead researcher and a senior lecturer in sports and exercise medicine at the University of Jyvaskyla in Finland, emphasized the broader implications of these findings. He suggested that both policymakers and parents should recognize the importance of physical fitness, as a lack of it can contribute to mental health issues and hinder essential cognitive abilities needed for academic success.
The study followed 241 Finnish children over eight years, assessing their physical fitness and correlating it with their cognitive abilities and emotional well-being. The results, published in the journal Sports Medicine, highlighted that teenagers who maintained good physical fitness reported lower levels of stress and depression. Researchers speculate that this connection may stem from the self-esteem and mental resilience that often accompany better physical health.
However, the study also cautioned that increased screen time might diminish the mental health benefits associated with physical fitness. Haapala concluded by calling for societal support to enhance physical fitness among children and adolescents, advocating for increased participation in physical activities at school, during leisure time, and through hobbies.
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