In this blog, we report novel findings from a recent study on how physical activity during certain periods can protect children from developing common psychiatric conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and addiction (1). We also highlight that participation in organized sports seems to have a broad beneficial effect and then discuss explanations for this pattern, seen before in earlier research (2). Our study (recently published in BJSM) was based on a large group of Swedish children followed from birth until their 18th birthday. 

Why is this study important?

Mental health issues are unfortunately very common worldwide and there has been a dramatic increase in incidence among children and youth lately (3). The need for practical strategies for prevention and effective treatments is obvious, and physical activity has shown promise in earlier studies (4). This study adds to the growing evidence that physical activity not only influences mental well-being, but protects against future psychiatric conditions diagnosed by a physician. 

How did the study go about this?

This study recruited 17055 children, born in Sweden between 1997-1999, and asked both parents and children to rate various aspects of their health repeatedly. Then, researchers gathered diagnoses from a national registry and computed risk for incidence in psychiatric conditions. Since the study followed children for 18 years and could compare parent-rated levels of activity with diagnoses from a national registry, we were able  to rule out that pre-existing issues caused low activity levels or that transient dips were interpreted as psychiatric issues. 

What did the study find?

Physical activity, reported by the parents, declined sharply between 5-, 8- and 11-years of age. Analyses also showed that girls and boys had different outcomes and patterns. Physical activity at 11 years of age protected against anxiety and we saw a trend for protection against depression among both boys and girls. It also protected against addiction for boys. Activity in the form of participation in organised sports had broad protective effects and was associated with a lower incidence of anxiety and addiction among both boys and girls. 

What are the key take-home points?

• This study provides evidence that physical activity may prevent serious mental health issues according to different patterns among girls and boys. 
• The findings suggest that the period just before adolescence, in addition to being a critical period for the emergence of psychiatric disorders, may also be a sensitive period during which it is particularly important to live an active life. 
• Increased physical activity could be used as a strategy for the prevention of mental health and the study should spark interest among both policymakers and healthcare professionals to utilise physical activity. 
• Future studies should continue to explore how physical activity exerts its beneficial effect and when the timing is optimal for active interventions.

Authors and affiliations:

Oskar Lundgren (1,2), Hanna Tigerstrand (3), Andrea Lebena (1), Marie Löf (4), Johnny Ludvigsson (1,2)

1. Division of Pediatrics, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
2. Crown Princess Victoria Children’s Hospital, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
3. Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden 
4. Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden

References

1. Lundgren O, et al. Br J Sports Med 2025;0:1–9. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2024-108148 
2. Hoffmann MD et al. Associations between organized sport participation and mental health difficulties: Data from over 11,000 US children and adolescents. PLoS One 2022;17:e0268583.
3. Silva SA et al. Common mental disorders prevalence in adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analyses. PLoS One 2020;15:e0232007.
4. Rodriguez-Ayllon et al. Role of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in the Mental Health of Preschoolers, Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Med 2019;49:1383–410.