More than 75% of children and teenagers experience depression or anxiety, prompting parents to seek effective ways to support their mental health. New research from the University of South Australia suggests that regular exercise may offer a powerful solution.
The study, described as the largest meta-meta-analysis of its kind, examined 375 clinical trials involving more than 38,000 young people. Researchers found that when children participated in structured exercise programs, their symptoms of depression and anxiety improved significantly.
Different exercises target different conditions
The research revealed that specific types of exercise work better for different mental health conditions. Anxiety symptoms improved most through low-intensity, resistance exercises, such as light weights or gentle circuit activities. Depression symptoms showed the greatest improvement through moderate-intensity, mixed-mode, and resistance training, including circuits that combine aerobic and strength programs.
The study found that programs lasting fewer than three months were particularly effective. The biggest improvements in depression symptoms occurred in programs lasting fewer than 12 weeks, suggesting that benefits can emerge relatively quickly, especially for children aged 12 and over.
Interestingly, researchers found no significant differences among the frequency of exercise sessions per week. Children with depression and ADHD showed the greatest improvements from exercise interventions.
Low-cost alternative to traditional treatments
Lead researcher Dr Ben Singh described the findings as presenting parents with a non-invasive, low-cost solution to combat poor mental health in children.
“Depression and anxiety are among the most prevalent mental health issues affecting children and teenagers worldwide,” Singh said. “Evidence-based treatment guidelines often recommend cognitive behaviour therapy and antidepressants as first-line interventions, yet 40 to 60 percent of children don’t receive treatment or fail to gain sufficient benefits, so we clearly need alternatives.”
Singh emphasised that exercise represents a widely accessible strategy that could make a real difference to children’s mental health. He noted that while people generally understand exercise is good for health and wellbeing, little evidence previously showed how exercise works for kids or which types might be more effective than others.
Exercise as core mental health care
Senior researcher Prof Carol Maher highlighted the importance of incorporating exercise into mental health care for children and teenagers.
“Exercise should be a core part of mental health care for children and teens, whether at school, in the community, or clinical settings,” Maher said. “Short, structured programs that include strength training or a mix of activities seem especially promising, but simply exercising, even for short amounts of time will deliver benefits.”
Maher reassured parents that expensive gym memberships or training programs are not necessary. Play-based activities, games, and sport all represent valuable forms of movement that can support mental wellbeing.
“The key message is simple: get active and keep active,” Maher said. “Even short bursts of movement can make a real difference to a child’s mental health and wellbeing – especially for those who are struggling.”
The research demonstrates that exercise offers an effective, accessible lifestyle intervention that can immediately improve mental health issues in children without first defaulting to medicines.