Exercise and sports appear to help kids avoid mental health problems as they grow into young adults, a new study says.
Research Team
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Key Facts
- Researchers analyzed data on nearly 16,400 children born in Sweden between October 1997 and October 1999.1
- For every hour per day a child exercised at age 11, they had a 12% lower risk of being diagnosed with any mental health problem before age 18.1
- Taking part in organized sports lowered risk of a first-time mental health problem for both boys (23% lower) and girls (12% lower).1
- Physical activity could be used as a strategy for the prevention of mental health problems, especially before and during adolescence.1
Key Stats at a Glance
Risk reduction for mental health problems with exercise
12%
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Risk reduction for boys participating in organized sports
23%
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Number of children analyzed in the study
16400 children
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