Associations between physical activity and mental health and behaviour in early adolescence

We examined associations between objectively-measured physical activity, depressive-symptoms, and emotional behavioural difficulties in adolescents from a UK cohort. Data 4755 participants (45% male) the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents Children (ALSPAC) with activity assessed by accelerometry at age 11 was analysed. Indication depressive symptoms (Short Moods Feelings questionnaire) were obtained parental reports self-reports 13. Behavioural problems parents teachers 13 using Strengths Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). At 11, males averaged 29 minutes (SD = 17) daily moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA) compared 18 12) among females. Higher MVPA associated decreased depressive-symptoms females after adjusting for confounders. Among males, positive change ages reduction symptoms. Negative also found scale SDQ predicted score on hyperactivity subscale both sexes. All effect sizes small. reduced symptoms, emotional-difficulties early adolescence, however magnitude effects Efforts to support this group are therefore warranted.