Study Overview
The research was done by the Taiwanese scholars from using the data of Taiwan National Student Fitness Tests and National Insurance Research Databases. These sources offered ample and anonymous information about the students’ fitness and their mental health diagnosis to identify correlations between physical fitness and mental health.Research Findings
The researchers assessed three key metrics for physical fitness: Their cardiovascular fitness, their muscles endurance and their muscles power. The only improvements that seem to correlate with a decrease in risk of developing mental health disorders are higher performance in these aspects.Cardiovascular Fitness
Cardiovascular endurance determined by 800-meter run proved to have an impact. This study is meant to establish that if a girl increases her 800-meter run time by 30 seconds, the risk of having anxiety, depression, and ADHD is likely to reduce Among boys, if a boy is able to reduce his 800-meter run time by 30 seconds, the likelihood of having anxiety and or ADHD is likely to reduce.Muscle Endurance
Regarding muscle endurance, that was defined by the number of sit-ups completed, similar positive relationships were observed. Specifically they found out that an additional five sit-ups per minute was associated with decreased anxiety and mental disorders in boys and with decreased risks of depression and anxiety in girls.Muscle Power
Muscle power in relation to the standing broad jump also showed the relation of physical fitness to mental health. Higher levels of performance in this activity prevented development of mental health problems.Implications for Mental Health
The results indicates that cardio respiratory fitness and muscular fitness may be protective in mental illnesses in children and adolescents. The study recommend physical fitness programs should be incorporated in daily youth activities with a view of preventing mental health disorders.Expert Opinions
In his “National Conversation on Mental health for Teenagers”, the U.S surgeon General, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy has stressed on the importance of mental wellbeing among youths. He terms mental health as the biggest public health challenge of the century demanding more research and the implementation of more intervention programs that population health strategies link exercise to mental health.