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. 2023 Mar;49(2):211-229.
doi: 10.1111/cch.13048. Epub 2022 Sep 2.

Physical activity interventions for the mental health of children: A systematic review

Gabrielle E Hale  1 , Luke Colquhoun  1 , Deborah Lancastle  1 , Nicky Lewis  1 , Philip J Tyson  1
Affiliations

Physical activity interventions for the mental health of children: A systematic review

Gabrielle E Hale et al. Child Care Health Dev. 2023 Mar.

Abstract

Objective: This systematic review explored the effectiveness of using physical activity (PA) interventions to enhance psychological well-being and reduce psychological ill-being (e.g., anxiety and depression) in children aged six to 11 years old from the general population.

Methods: Electronic databases were searched for studies published between January 2005 and June 2020: Web of Science, ProQuest Psychology Journals, PsycINFO, Pub Med, ASSIA, CINHAL PLUS, SPORTDiscus, EMBASE and Wiley Online Library. Search terms included 'physical activity intervention', 'psychological well-being' and 'child*'. After removing duplicates, 11 390 studies were independently screened by two authors based on inclusion/exclusion criteria and assessed for risk of bias.

Results: A total of 23 studies were narratively synthesized and categorized into four domains: Quality of Life (QOL), body image, self-esteem and psychological ill-being. Evidence was provided for the impact of PA interventions in improving QOL, body image and self-esteem. Despite the positive effect on psychological well-being, evidence for a reduction in the frequency and severity of symptoms associated with psychological ill-being in children is less clear.

Conclusions: Reviewed studies support the use of PA interventions in enhancing the psychological well-being of children in school and community settings. More research is warranted to understand the impact of PA interventions on reducing psychological ill-being in children from the general population.

Keywords: children; mental health; physical activity intervention; well-being; young people.

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References

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