Effects of a 12-Week Physical Activity Intervention on Psychological Symptoms in Adolescents
Author Information
Author(s): Francisquini Maria Carolina Juvêncio, dos Santos Géssika Castilho, de Souza Silva Thais Maria, Dias Pedro Henrique Garcia, dos Santos Claudinei Ferreira, Pinzon Gabriel, Machado-Rodrigues Aristides M., Tchounwou Paul B.
Primary Institution: Health Sciences Center, State University of Northern Paraná, Brazil
Hypothesis
The intervention group would show improved psychological symptoms compared to the control group.
Conclusion
The study found no significant changes in psychological symptoms after the 12-week physical activity intervention.
Supporting Evidence
- Participation in regular physical activity is associated with numerous health benefits, including improvement in adolescents’ mental health.
- The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to measure psychological symptoms.
- After 12 weeks, there were no significant intervention effects for emotional problems, conduct problems, ADHD, peer problems, prosocial behavior, and overall mental health score.
- Future studies should explore how physical activity in different dimensions and contexts may impact positively on adolescents’ mental health.
Takeaway
The study tried to see if exercise could help teenagers feel better mentally, but it didn't find any improvements after 12 weeks.
Methodology
A 12-week randomized controlled trial with structured physical activity sessions delivered during Physical Education classes.
Potential Biases
Self-report questionnaires may introduce memory bias.
Limitations
The study involved a small sample size from only two public schools, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
150 adolescents aged 12 to 15 years old, with 52.9% females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.76
Confidence Interval
−1.1–0.82
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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