Children’s Higher Physical Activity Levels Associated with Decreased Depression

Children's Higher Physical Activity Levels Associated with Decreased Depression

Pediatrics published a meta-analysis on the association of children’s physical activity levels in childhood and adolescence with depression.  Fifty studies (89,894 participants) were included from 2005-2015 that measured physical activity in childhood or adolescence and examined its association with depression  The results indicated that stronger effect sizes were seen in studies with:

  • cross-sectional versus longitudinal designs
  • using depression self-report versus interview
  • using validated versus nonvalidated physical activity measures
  • using measures of frequency and intensity of physical activity versus intensity alone

The researchers concluded that children’s higher physical activity levels are associated with decreased concurrent depressive symptoms although the association with future depressive symptoms is weak.

Reference:  Korczak, D. J., Madigan, S., & Colasanto, M. (2017). Children’s Physical Activity and Depression: A Meta-analysis. Pediatrics, e20162266.

Classroom Activity Posters from https://www.yourtherapysource.com/cap.html

Classroom Activity Posters: is a digital download collection of 16 exercise activities, 4 large posters and a brief, simple video demonstration of each exercise.The posters are divided into four groups: posture, alerting, ready to work and focus/balance. All of the exercises are performed in standing. Try these activities prior to starting fine motor activities, for posture breaks, to refocus students attention and for vestibular/ proprioceptive input in the classroom.
These activities encourage: proper posture, vestibular input, proprioceptive input, coordination skills, attention span, balance and physical activity. FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION.

 

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