【两分钟医学英语】体育活动有助于减少儿童抑郁

Physical activity may limit depressive symptoms in children

1. In a study of Norwegian children, those who engaged in more moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at ages 6 and 8 had fewer symptoms of major depressive disorder 2 years later.

2. There was no association between sedentary behavior and depression among these children, nor did depressive symptoms predict MVPA.

Evidence Rating Level: 1 (Excellent)

The benefits of physical activity in limiting or preventing symptoms of depression in adolescents and adults is well established. However, major depressive disorder also affects younger children, and treatment and prevention efforts in this population are less robust and less effective. This study explores the connection between MVPA and depressive symptoms in children ages 6 through 10 years. Children were asked to wear accelerometers, and they and their parents were interviewed for depressive symptoms. Overall, higher levels of physical activity at ages 6 and 8 predicted fewer symptoms of MDD 2 years later. Sedentary activity and MDD did not share a relationship. This study supports the recommendation that younger children engage in physical activity for improved physical and mental health. While this study further supports the many benefits of physical activity, the results may be confounded by other variables, such as increased social interactions and enhanced self image.

来源：《儿科学》杂志（ January 09, 2017 doi: 10.1542/peds.2016-1711）https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2017/01/05/peds.2016-1711