Healthier Minds in Fitter Bodies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Association between Physical Fitness and Mental Health in Youth

Healthier Minds in Fitter Bodies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Association between Physical Fitness and Mental Health in Youth

Authors
Cadenas-Sanchez, C. Mena-Molina, A. Torres-Lopez, L. V. Migueles, J. H. Rodriguez-Ayllon, M. Lubans, D. R. Ortega, F. B.
Year
2021
Journal
Sports Medicine
Volume
Pages
35
Background Physical fitness is an important marker of current and future health status, yet the association between physical fitness and indicators of mental health in youth has not been systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed. Objective The aim of this work was to systematically review and meta-analyze the association between physical fitness components (i.e. cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, speed-agility, flexibility and fitness composite) and mental health indicators (i.e. psychological well-being and psychological ill-being) in preschoolers, children and adolescents. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data Sources Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus from database inception to May 2020. Eligibility Criteria Studies (cross-sectional, longitudinal and intervention designs) were included if they measured at least one physical fitness component and one mental health indicator in healthy youth (2-18 years). Results A total of 58 unique studies (52 cross-sectional, 4 longitudinal and 4 intervention studies) met all eligibility criteria and were included. There was a significant positive overall association between physical fitness and mental health in children and adolescents (pooled r = 0.206, p < 0.001). We found suggestive evidence of moderation by age group, fitness components and socioeconomic status (all p < 0.08). No relevant studies focusing on preschoolers were identified. Evidence based on longitudinal and intervention studies was limited. Conclusion We observed a small to medium sized positive association between physical fitness and overall mental health in youth. However, as the majority of studies were cross-sectional, additional longitudinal and intervention studies are needed to provide evidence of causation.

Oversett med Google Translate
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Type of intervention

Preventive- and Promotive Health Interventions

Early Intervention

Topic

Mental Health Problems and Disorders

Emotional Problems

Depression and Depressed Mood

Anxiety Problems

Anxiety and Anxiousness

Stress

Development and Life Coping Skills

Self-esteem

Well-being

Stress Management and Self-regulation

Intervention

Public Health Interventions

Physical Activity

Age group

Preschool Aged Children (3-5 years)

School Aged Children (6-12 years)

Adolescents (13-18 years)

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