Tjelesna aktivnost i simptomi depresije i anksioznosti kod djece i adolescenata

Abstract

More and more children and adolescents have been facing mental health problems, especially depression and anxiety symptoms. Physical activity is any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure, and it affects mental health at multiple levels and through different mechanisms. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the relationship between physical activity and symptoms of depression and anxiety, with an emphasis on children and adolescents. An analysis of the available literature has been conducted and the results have shown that there is evidence that physical activity has a positive effect on overall mental health, especially on symptoms of depression. However, much research is still needed to prove exact mechanisms and directions of this relationship.