Sedentary Lifestyle Linked to Teen Emotional and Behavioral Problems

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Jolie Bookspan, M.Ed, PhD, FAWM

A study of physical activity in more than 7,000 teenagers found that inactivity is associated with emotional and behavioral problems.

Teens with less than one hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity a week had more symptoms of anxiety, withdrawal, depression, sleep problems, rule-breaking behaviors, attention problems, and somatic complaints (body pain).

Study author Marko T. Kantomaa stated in an American College of Sports Medicine news release, "Negative mental and emotional effects brought on by physical inactivity does not help young people ease into adulthood. Physical activity could be a highly effective and relatively easy way to help that transition and could, in addition, lead to establishment of lifelong healthy habits."

The study was published in the October issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise - Kantomaa MT, Tammelin TH, Ebeling HE, Taanila AM. Emotional and behavioral problems in relation to physical activity in youth. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2008 Oct;40(10):1749-56.


Increase in physical activity is known to reduce incidence of depression and anxiety in both adolescents and adults.

How much to do?

• Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans

Get fun effective daily lifestyle activity:

• Try some Fast Fitness ideas.
  
• Click Recent Posts on the list at right. For a month of posts, click the Archives at right (any will do to start) under Recent Posts.
  
• Click labels under this post to view all Fitness Fixer articles about that keyword.
• Read success stories of these methods and send your own.
• Find fun topics on the Fitness Fixer Index.
• Have The Fitness Fixer e-mailed to you, free. Click Health Expert Updates (trumpet icon) "updates via e-mail" - upper right column.
  

Depressed teen photo by katherine of chicago
Soccerbalance photo by Stallenuk

Labels: aerobic, children, depression, mind, spirit, strength, stress

Permalink | Email Post

The Healthline Site, its content, such as text, graphics, images, search results, HealthMaps, Trust Marks, and other material contained on the Healthline Site ("Content"), its services, and any information or material posted on the Healthline Site by third parties are provided for informational purposes only. None of the foregoing is a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Healthline Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. Please read the Terms of Service for more information regarding use of the Healthline Site.