Physical Activity for Cognitive and Mental Health in Youth: A Systematic Review of Mechanisms

20161,402 citationsReviewbronze Open Access

Authors

David R. Lubans · University of Newcastle Australia

Justin Richards · The University of Sydney

Charles H. Hillman · University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Guy Faulkner · University of British Columbia

Mark R. Beauchamp · University of British Columbia

Michael Nilsson · Hunter Medical Research Institute

Paul Kelly

Abstract

The strongest evidence was found for improvements in physical self-perceptions, which accompanied enhanced self-esteem in the majority of studies measuring these outcomes. Few studies examined neurobiological and behavioral mechanisms, and we were unable to draw conclusions regarding their role in enhancing cognitive and mental health.

Topics & Keywords

Physical Activity and Health Behavioral Health and Interventions Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Quality Education

Publication Details

Published in: PEDIATRICS

Volume 138, Issue 3

DOI: 10.1542/peds.2016-1642

Field-Weighted Citation Impact: 52.07