Overview

• Research from large-scale U.S. and Swedish studies shows that 90 minutes of moderate or 120 minutes of vigorous daily exercise optimally reduces mental health risks in adolescents.
• Participation in organized sports at age 11 lowers the likelihood of psychiatric diagnoses by 23% in boys and 12% in girls, emphasizing the unique benefits of structured activities.
• Boys who are physically active at ages 5 and 8 experience a significantly reduced risk of depression, with no similar trends observed in girls.
• The protective effects of exercise are linked to changes in brain functional connectivity rather than structural changes, suggesting biological mechanisms at play.
• Time spent outdoors does not show a significant association with mental health outcomes, underscoring the importance of targeted, measured physical activity.