Can Physical Activity Improve Depression, Coping & Motivation to Exercise in Children and Youth Experiencing Challenges to Mental Wellness?

Abstract

This study examined the influence of a physical activity (PA) program (Move Your Mood) on children and adolescents receiving services in community mental health clinics. Participants (N = 35) were referred to the (PA) program by their mental health therapist. Coaches engaged participants in individual one-on-one and group activity sessions for eight weeks. Participant heart rates were monitored during physical activity sessions and designed to achieve moderate to high intensity. Participants reported significant improvements in mood immediately following physical activity. Measures of motivation to exercise, coping, and depression were taken before program participation, at 4-weeks, and at completion of the 8 week program. Results indicate that the PA program significantly improved child and adolescent ability to cope as well as their intrinsic motive to exercise. In addition, the PA program significantly reduced self-reported depressive symptoms. Qualitative analysis indicates that social supports and enhanced self-efficacy resulting from physical activity engagement and sessions are key factors associated with program outcomes. The current study provides evidence to support three key psychosocial theories: social interaction, distraction hypothesis, and mastery hypothesis.

The Independent, Joint, and Additive Associations of Physical Activity and Self-Compassion on Depression Symptoms Among Chinese College Students

“… 51 In terms of the psychological mechanism, PA improves self-esteem and self-efficacy, for example, by improving physical self-perceptions and transferable sense of coping with challenges. 52 , 53 PA also makes it more accessible for individuals to get more social support by more interaction and emotional disclosure during exercises with companions. 54 , 55 Besides, physically active individuals are prone to have other healthy behaviors in their daily life, such as recommended eating and sleep habits, which are also associated with better mental health.…”

Post‐secondary student transitions and mental health: Literature review and synthesis

“…A study conducted by the creators of the program in 2014 revealed encouraging results. Researchers assessed levels of depression, motivation, and coping before the program started to gain baseline assessments; measures were taken again at a 4 week and 8‐week interval (Oddie et al., 2014). Results indicated significant reductions in depression, increases in coping, and increases in motivation (Oddie et al., 2014).…”

Mental Health in Adults With ADHD: Examining the Relationship With Cardiorespiratory Fitness

“…In contrast, treatment approaches that incorporate physical activity can have a potent impact on both symptoms of ADHD ( Den Heijer et al, 2017 ; Y. S. Kim et al, 2012 ; Ng et al, 2017 ) and mental illness ( Hosker et al, 2019 ; Oddie et al, 2014 ) with minimal side effects ( Vina et al, 2012 ). Physical activity is effective at reducing depression and anxiety in neurotypical populations ( Kandola, Ashdown-Franks, Stubbs, Osborn, & Hayes, 2019 ; McDowell et al, 2019 ; Rebar et al, 2015 ) and emerging evidence suggests the same may be true for people with ADHD ( Da Silva et al, 2020 ; Den Heijer et al, 2017 ; K. M. Fritz & O’Connor, 2016 ).…”