Physical Activity and Depressive Symptoms in Youth
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2024
Abstract
Regular physical activity is well established as a protective factor against obesity and cardiovascular disease, yet its role in supporting mental health among children and adolescents has only recently gained attention. This editorial commentary critically examines the systematic review and meta-analysis by Recchia et al. (2023), published in JAMA Pediatrics, which evaluated the effects of physical activity interventions on depressive symptoms in youth. Recchia and colleagues synthesized evidence from 21 trials and reported that structured physical activity interventions significantly reduced depressive symptoms in children and adolescents, with larger effects observed among adolescents and those with pre-existing mental illness or depression. Interventions consisting of three sessions per week and lasting fewer than 12 weeks demonstrated the greatest benefit. This commentary highlights key strengths of the review, including methodological rigor, adherence to PRISMA guidelines, and broad inclusion criteria, while also noting important limitations. Chief among these is the predominance of structured exercise interventions rather than broader forms of physical activity, limiting generalizability to unstructured or light-intensity activities common in youth. Additional gaps include limited examination of muscle- and bone-strengthening activities, lack of theoretical grounding, insufficient assessment of long-term sustainability, and minimal consideration of social and ecological influences on youth physical activity. Future research should prioritize theory-driven, multi-level interventions that incorporate diverse forms of physical activity, assess mental health as a primary outcome, and evaluate long-term effects. Expanding access to sustainable physical activity opportunities in schools and communities may play a critical role in improving mental health outcomes among children and adolescents.
Recommended Citation
Spring, K. E., & Staiano, A. E. (2024). Physical activity and depressive symptoms… Translational Pediatrics, 13(6), 1007–1011.