Psychosocial aspects of physical activity.

309 The health benefits of regular physical activity have been studied and are well described in the literature (1). The psychosocial benefits of regular physical activity, which are considered to be as important as the health benefits, are less clear (2). The current data regarding the impact of physical activity on children’s psychosocial health confirm an associative, rather then a causal link in many studies (3). Definitive research is also made difficult by the Hawthorne effect. The Hawthorne effect refers to subjects who change their behaviour as a result of being part of a study (4). Additionally, the type, duration or intensity of physical activity among the paediatric population that is necessary to achieve optimal, positive emotional and mental benefits, are poorly defined (2). The intention of the present commentary is to scrutinize current thinking regarding the psychosocial aspects of regular physical activity. It will address the role of physical activity in: