Good physical fitness throughout childhood can help prevent stress and depression in adolescence, according to a Finnish study.
The study followed 241 adolescents for eight years from childhood at the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Jyvaskyla and the Institute of Biomedicine at the University of Eastern Finland.
It found physical fitness early in life improves cardiorespiratory fitness which is associated with fewer stress and depressive symptoms and better cognitive function during the more challenging teenage years.
“The concern about the declining physical fitness in children and adolescents is real, however the focus has been on physical health,” said Eero Haapala, Senior Lecturer of Sports and Exercise Medicine at the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyvaskyla.
“Our results should encourage policymakers as well as parents and guardians to see the significance of physical fitness more holistically, as poor physical fitness can increase mental health challenges and impair cognitive skills needed for learning.
“The whole of society should support physical fitness development in children and adolescents by increasing physical activity participation at school, during leisure time, and in hobbies.”
For more information visit the University of Jyvaskyla website.
