A new study finds exercise decreases symptoms of depression and anxiety in children and teens – and may offer an alternative to antidepressants.
Regular exercise is one of the best therapies for children and teens suffering from mood disorders, a new study suggests.
Researchers found anxiety and depression decrease when kids take part in structured exercise programs. They reviewed data from 375 clinical trials involving more than 38,000 kids 5 to 18 years of age.
According to the results, anxiety levels dropped when participants engaged in low-intensity resistance training, such as lifting weights. And depressive symptoms improved with moderate-intensity workouts combining aerobic and strength exercises.
The benefits were strong whether the participants worked out 1 or 3 days per week.
The researchers say these findings suggest exercise could help improve kids’ moods without the use of drugs like antidepressants.
The lead investigator says, “Exercise is a low-cost, widely accessible strategy that could make a real difference to children’s mental health,”
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Author Affiliations: University of South Australia, The University of Manchester
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