A recent study conducted in Finland has shed light on the link between good physical fitness from childhood to adolescence and better mental health in adolescence. This correlation is particularly important in today’s society, where mental health issues are prevalent among young people, impacting up to 25%-30% of individuals. The findings from this study suggest that focusing on improving physical fitness early on can play a crucial role in preventing mental health problems in the future.
Researchers from the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä and the Institute of Biomedicine at the University of Eastern Finland followed the physical fitness levels of 241 adolescents over an eight-year period, from childhood to adolescence. The results revealed that individuals with better cardiorespiratory fitness and those who showed improvements in their fitness levels during this period experienced fewer stress and depressive symptoms in adolescence.
Furthermore, the study highlighted the positive impact of motor fitness on cognitive function and mental health. The researchers observed that better motor fitness from childhood to adolescence was associated with reduced stress and depressive symptoms, although not as strongly as the link between cardiorespiratory fitness and mental health. Notably, the amount of screen time in adolescence partially explained the relationship between physical fitness and mental well-being.
These findings underscore the importance of prioritizing physical fitness early in life as a preventive measure against mental health issues and cognitive challenges during adolescence. Eero Haapala, Senior Lecturer of Sports and Exercise Medicine at the University of Jyväskylä, emphasized the need for a more holistic approach to physical fitness, recognizing its impact on mental health and cognitive abilities crucial for learning.
Haapala urged policymakers, parents, and guardians to support physical fitness development in children and adolescents by promoting physical activity in various settings, including schools, leisure time, and extracurricular activities. By investing in physical fitness from an early age, society can potentially alleviate mental health burdens and enhance cognitive skills among young individuals.
The study conducted as part of the ongoing Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) study at the University of Eastern Finland, led by Professor Timo Lakka, involved tracking the physical fitness of 241 participants over eight years, alongside mental health assessments during adolescence. The research, published in Sports Medicine, underscores the critical role of physical fitness in shaping mental well-being.
The PANIC Study forms a crucial part of the Metabolic Diseases Research Community at the University of Eastern Finland, dedicated to investigating major cardiometabolic diseases through genetic, genomic, and lifestyle interventions. With 20 research groups focusing on a range of areas from basic research to patient care, the community aims to provide comprehensive insights into disease mechanisms, early diagnosis, prevention, and personalized treatment.
