US EditionEarly physical activity linked to mental health benefits in later childhood and adolescence
- A longitudinal Swedish study published in 2025 linked early physical activity, especially organised sports, to lower risks of mental health disorders up to age 18.
- The research drew on the ABIS Study with over 16,000 children born in southeast Sweden between 1997 and 1999, tracking physical activity and mental health outcomes.
- Boys who took part in organised sports experienced a 35% reduction in depression risk and were 23% less likely to develop any initial mental health disorder, while girls gained smaller but still noticeable protective effects.
- For each additional daily hour of physical activity at age 11, the risk of any mental disorder fell by 12%, and Dr. Lundgren said the ages 10–12 are a "critical window of opportunity."
- The research emphasizes the need to encourage engagement in organized sports as a gender-aware approach to help address the increasing rates of psychiatric disorders in young people worldwide.
31 Articles
31 Articles
CHRISTUS Health highlights importance of physical activity and sports participation
TEXARKANA, Texas (KTAL/KMSS)—CHRISTUS Health is raising awareness about the importance of physical activity and sports participation as it recognizes National Fitness and Sports Month in May. Aside from physical health, physical fitness also involves mental well-being and quality of life. "Regular physical activity can prevent chronic diseases, improve mental health, and boost overall well-being," said Colby Barron, manager of athletic training …
Early physical activity linked to mental health benefits in later childhood and adolescence
Physical activity in early childhood, especially taking part in organised sports,may ward off several mental health disorders in later childhood and adolescence, suggests research published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Head in the game
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Ask Dr. Allen: Can kids find their freedom?
Do our youth need more activities? A survey completed a few years ago, found that 55% of Palos Verdes teens had 5 to 9 extra activities they participated in, not including school and homework. That’s a lot of stress. They included sports, lessons, practices, service, and training among other things to do. That is too much. Ideally, a parent provides opportunities for their child to experience a variety of interests with the goal of finding which…
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