Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 1, 2025
Physical Activity Measurement in Children Accepting Table Tennis Training
Published on: July 27, 2022
Feasibility of a physical activity intervention for children and adolescents with anxiety and depression
Arne Kodal1,2, Fiona Muirhead3, John J Reilly3
1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, N-5021, Bergen, Norway. arko@norceresearch.no.
Background:
Physical activity is identified as a key modifiable factor towards good short- and long-term mental health and has shown positive effects on anxiety and depression in children and adolescents. However, physical activity-based interventions are not a part of standard mental health care and evidence on the effect of such interventions is still lacking. A transdiagnostic, physical activity-based intervention was developed as a supplement to routine clinical care for youth in specialized child and adolescent mental health services.
Methods:
/design. The feasibility of the physical activity intervention (Confident, Active, and Happy Youth) was evaluated in an open-label study by assessing the recruitment process, acceptability, intervention suitability, contentment, and preliminary intervention effects in the form of youth and parent-rated anxiety and depressive symptoms. Physical activity levels were objectively measured using Actigraph™ physical activity sensors, and progression to a definitive study was evaluated in accordance with a priori criteria.
Results:
In total 21 of 25 eligible youth consented to participate, two dropped out of the intervention and 19 completed (76% of eligible participants). The retention rate among consenting participants was 89% and mean attendance to sessions was 83%. The suitability of the intervention was rated as good by the youth and their parents, and intervention contentment was rated high. Changes in youth and parent-rated symptom measures following the intervention were negligible, except for parent-rated anxiety symptoms assessed at 10-month follow-up. Accelerometer data indicated lower levels of moderate to vigorous activity during sessions than intended. No adverse effects were noted.
Conclusion:
This feasibility study met the pre-determined progression criteria to a definitive study. Thus, a larger trial with longer follow-up should be conducted to explore the effect of the intervention.
Trial Registration:
ClnicalTrials.gov, NCT05049759. Retrospectively registered, 20.09.2021.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:25Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the...
01:22Behavior Therapy
Exposure therapy is a cornerstone of behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders. It involves systematic exposure to feared stimuli, either in real...
01:18Anxiety: Overview
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
01:26Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
01:28Social Anxiety Disorder