Physical activity, exercise, and mental health

Abstract

Abstract This chapter provides an extensive description of the associations of physical activity and physical fitness with mental health outcomes in youths. Both physical activity and physical fitness have been considered relevant markers of physical health outcomes in children in the last decades. This chapter discusses whether they can also be considered markers of mental health in this population. Although most of the evidence thus far is observational, experimental studies have been conducted in recent years to investigate the cause–effect relation between physical activity and mental health in children. In summary, small- and medium-sized associations have been extensively confirmed in observational studies, while several experimental studies point to a small, yet positive, effect on mental health outcomes in children and adolescents. These associations include numerous psychological well-being and ill-being indicators. As such, these constructs could also be considered markers of mental health in youth. In addition, this chapter also discusses the potential mechanisms that may explain such beneficial effects, including neurobiological, psychosocial, and behavioural factors. All the available evidence and this mechanistic view are considered to propose some practicalities to guide teachers and professionals in the development of physical activity programmes to maximise the effects on mental health outcomes in children. The recommendations, based on the available evidence, include aspects such as the intensity of the physical activity, the duration of the sessions and programmes, and the context for the delivery to preserve a sound mind in children.