The effects of physical activity on the mental health of typically developing children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Read full paper →- Authors
- Fu Q, Li L, Li Q, Wang J
- Journal
- BMC Public Health
- Year
- 2025
- Citations
- 38
TL;DR
This meta-analysis found that regular physical activity significantly improves mental health in healthy children and adolescents, particularly reducing stress and boosting social competence, suggesting it's a valuable tool for personal well-being experiments.
What they tested
This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis, meaning it synthesized findings from many individual studies. The researchers investigated the impact of various forms of physical activity on the mental health of typically developing children and adolescents.
The **interventions** included:
**Aerobic exercise:** Activities that increase heart rate and breathing, like running, swimming, or cycling.
**Anaerobic exercise:** Short bursts of intense activity, like sprinting or weightlifting.
**Fitness training:** General programs aimed at improving physical fitness.
The **comparators** were control groups from the original studies. These groups did not engage in structured physical activity interventions. Examples included:
Participants continuing with their regular physical