New report reveals effect of physical activity on mental health of children and young people.

NEW Report: 'Children and Young People's Mental Health and Physical Activity'

The report, released on World Mental Health Day, was produced by Edge Hill University.

Previous research has shown the positive impact of being active on children's general wellbeing, but there had been little documented evidence on the role of sport and physical activity in the treatment of diagnosed mental health conditions in children and young people.

Sport England commissioned Edge Hill to undertake an independent evidence review, in which they collated and reviewed existing research from across 143 studies to assess the strength of evidence.

A consistent picture emerged of the effectiveness of different types of exercise in treating and managing young people's mental health conditions.

Key findings based on the research

• There was strong and consistent evidence that sport and physical activity interventions had positive effects on the diagnosed mental health problems of children and young people.
• Aerobic exercise was the most common mode of physical activity intervention used, and this had a moderate effect on depression.
  • Aerobic plus resistance exercise interventions were less common, but these had strong effects on symptoms of depression.
• Physical activity of moderate-to-high intensity was most effective in treating depression in adolescents.
• The effects of randomised controlled trials delivered in group settings were strong, particularly when compared to effects of programmes delivered on a one-to-one or individual basis.

The results will better inform our decision-making on children and young people – one of the five 'big issues' in our Uniting the Movement strategy – as well as providing recommendations for sport and physical activity providers, policymakers and researchers.

Sport England's head of children and young people, Liz Aitken, said: ⁠

"We're pleased to be able to share the results of Edge Hill University's independent review, which presents a wealth of information and evidence in one place for the first time.

"The findings will allow us and our partners to talk authoritatively about the relationship between physical activity and young people with a diagnosed mental health condition.

"We look forward to working with the sector to support more young people with their mental health and wellbeing through being active."

Source: Information and Image: Sport England, Sport England Image Bank.