A groundbreaking study out of Taiwan has revealed a strong link between physical activity and mental health in children and adolescents. The study, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, utilized data from the Taiwan National Student Fitness Tests and the National Insurance Research Databases to analyze the relationship between physical fitness and mental health disorders.
Researchers followed students aged 10 to 11 years old over a span of 10 years, tracking their physical fitness levels in school and monitoring their mental health diagnoses, including anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and ADHD/ADD. The study found that higher levels of physical activity were associated with lower rates of mental health disorders in both male and female students.
Specifically, better performance in cardio fitness, muscular endurance, muscular power, and flexibility was linked to a decreased risk of anxiety, depression, and ADHD. For example, female students who had faster cardio fitness times and better muscular endurance showed lower risks of anxiety and depression, while male students with greater muscular power had reduced risks of ADHD.
The researchers concluded that physical fitness could serve as a preventative measure against mental health disorders in children and adolescents. This study highlights the importance of incorporating physical activity into children’s daily routines, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts recommend further research into targeted physical fitness programs as potential primary preventative interventions for mental health disorders in young people.