A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reveals a strong link between physical activity in preteens and improved mental health outcomes by age 18 .
Analyzing data from over 16000 Swedish children born between 1997 and 1999 researchers found that each additional hour of daily physical activity at age 11 was associated with a 12 percent reduction in the risk of psychiatric diagnoses at age 18 .
Key Findings
- Reduced Risk of Psychiatric Diagnoses
- The study highlighted that increased physical activity at age 11 significantly lowered the risk of psychiatric issues later in adolescence .
- Specifically each additional hour of daily activity corresponded to a 12 percent decrease in the likelihood of receiving a psychiatric diagnosis by age 18 .
Gender Specific Benefits
Notably the benefits of physical activity were more pronounced in boys
For instance physical activity reduced anxiety by nearly 40 percent and depression by up to 23 percent for boys at younger ages
At age 11 physical activity was associated with a decreased risk for depression for both boys and girls .
Decline in Physical Activity Levels
Despite the clear benefits the study observed a concerning trend
Children’s daily physical activity levels declined between ages 5 and 11
At age 5 children averaged just over four hours of activity per day which decreased to approximately 25 hours by age 11 .
Researchers described this decline as problematic emphasizing the importance of maintaining consistent activity levels during these formative years .
Critical Period for Psychological Resilience
The ages between 10 and 12 may represent a crucial window for developing psychological resilience .
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Broader Implications
This study adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the role of physical activity in promoting mental health among children and adolescents
For instance a study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that physical fitness in children and adolescents is associated with lower rates of mental health disorders like anxiety depression and ADHD .
Furthermore research involving the University of Strathclyde suggests that regular physical activity can improve adolescents’ mental health and help with behavioral difficulties .
Engaging in regular moderate to vigorous physical activity at age 11 was associated with better mental health between the ages of 11 and 13 .
Conclusion
The findings from the Swedish study highlight the significant impact that physical activity in preteens can have on mental health outcomes in later adolescence
Encouraging regular physical activity including participation in organized sports during the preteen years may serve as a valuable strategy in promoting long term mental wellbeing .
As children’s activity levels tend to decline with age it is imperative for parents educators and policymakers to create supportive environments that foster and maintain physical activity throughout childhood and adolescence .