Symptoms of Depression attenuated by physical activity in adolescents and children

China: A new study conducted by researchers from China and Atlanta found that physical activity interventions reduce depressive symptoms in children and adolescents, especially those older than 13. The study results were published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.  

Depression is the second most prevalent mental disorder among children and adolescents. Severe adverse outcomes are seen in early childhood depression. Despite this, only a small proportion of the population seeks or receives disorder-specific treatment. Recent literature shows that physical activity interventions exhibited promising results as an alternative or adjunctive approach to clinical treatment for depression. Francesco Recchia et al from China and Atlanta conducted a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis to identify if physical activity interventions can alleviate depressive symptoms in children and adolescents. 

Databases like PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and SPORTDiscus were searched from inception to February 2022 for relevant studies written in English, Chinese, or Italian by two independent researchers following the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant studies were selected and compared with a control condition. Hedges g was used to perform the random-effects meta-analysis. Multiple reviewers independently assessed heterogeneity, risk of bias, and publication bias. Overall results were substantiated by conducting meta-regressions and sensitivity analyses. Depressive symptoms as measured by validated depression scales at postintervention and follow-up are the main outcomes of measurement.