SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Systematic Review of Physical Activity and Mental Health in Children and Adolescents

Table of Contents

Introduction/Background1

Aim and Objectives3

Review Question3

Design and Methodology4

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria4

Types of Studies4

Types of Participants4

Types of Interventions4

Types of Outcome Measures5

Locating the Studies and Literature Search Methods5

Data Collection6

Data Analysis7

Practical (Limitations) and Operational (Bias) Issues11

Conclusion and Dissemination14

References18

Systematic Review of Physical Activity and Mental Health in Children and Adolescents

Introduction/Background

Mental health is integral to the overall health of children and adolescents and it is essential for survival of youth, since it determines the behaviour, perception, thinking, communication, and understanding level of youth. The mental health issues can be addressed from a broad perspective from improving the emotional well-being through treatment and prevention of mental illness, serious mental disorders and suicide (Vallance et al. 2011: pp. 284-288).

In UK, the planning and delivery of mental health services is primarily under provincial and territorial authorities. The federal government, mainly through Health UK and the Public Health Agency is working in various ways with the provinces and territories to develop systems of mental health services that are coordinated, and meet the needs of adolescents. Public Health Agency of Canada contributes to research on mental health and development policies and programs to promote mental health and to focus on the needs of adolescents with problems or mental disorders (Stone et al. 2008: pp. 298-315).

Strong bones, good muscle tone and lower risk of developing chronic diseases are among the key benefits derived from regular physical activity. In addition, physical activity promotes psychological well-being and reduces feelings of depression and anxiety. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Adolescent and School Health, 77 percent of children 9 to 13 years old physically active in their free time and only 39 percent agree with organized physical activity. For secondary school students, 63 percent of vigorous physical activity and only 25 percent engage in sufficient moderate physical activity. 12 percent make little or no physical activity (Andersen et al. 2011: pp. 857-863).

The performance of physical activity tends to decrease as children get older. The long-term consequences of physical inactivity include an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, elevated blood cholesterol, asthma, arthritis and premature death.

Physical activity has effects on a variety of physiological systems and has been shown to impact each of the different components of HRF (Health Related Fitness). The associations between physical activity and health are quite strong in adults but relationships tend to be weaker in youth. This is largely due to the interacting influences of growth and maturation as well as the increased measurement challenges in this age group. In addition, most youth are relatively healthy so higher levels of physical activity may not impact HRF in the same manner as in adults. While the evidence is still incomplete, public health officials have widely acknowledged the importance of youth physical activity promotion as an important public health goal. This is mainly because of the potential tracking (i.e. the stability of a characteristic over time) of physical activity, physical inactivity and obesity ...