The Benefits of Physical Fitness on Children’s Mental Health

A new study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics has found that physical fitness in children may have a significant impact on their mental health. The research, conducted by scientists in Taiwan, compared data from the Taiwan National Student Fitness Tests with the National Insurance Research Database to analyze the relationship between physical fitness and mental health.

The study revealed that higher performance in cardiovascular activities, strength, and muscular endurance was associated with a lower risk of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD. For example, a 30-second decrease in the 800-meter run time was linked to a lower risk of anxiety, depression, and ADHD in girls, while an increase of five sit-ups per minute was associated with lower anxiety and ADHD risk in boys.

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has previously highlighted the importance of adolescent mental health, calling it a national crisis. The study’s findings further emphasize the need for targeted physical fitness programs as primary preventative interventions against mental disorders in children and adolescents.

Experts have suggested that heavy screen use has replaced essential activities like sleep, exercise, and in-person interactions, which are crucial for healthy development. The researchers concluded that exercise programs could hold significant potential in mitigating the onset of mental health disorders in young individuals.

As America continues to grapple with a rise in mental health diagnoses among children and adolescents, this study sheds light on the importance of incorporating physical fitness into their daily routines for overall well-being.