Physical activity in childhood and adolescence and its effects on the development of depression
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.68.74422Keywords
depression, lifestyle, lifestyle modification, childhood, adolescence, youth, adulthood, physical activity, sport, exercise, trajectory, bdnf, hippocampus, sleep, hpa axis, psychosocial factors, psychosociologyAbstract
Background: The rising incidence of depression among the general population across the lifespan and the global crisis of sedentary lifestyle pose key challenges for public health in the 21st century. Childhood and adolescence, due to the dynamic development of brain structures, are a critical window for preventive interventions.
Aim: The aim of this work is to critically analyze scientific evidence regarding the impact of physical activity in childhood on the risk of developing depression in adulthood, with particular emphasis on biological and psychosocial mechanisms mediating this effect.
Methods: The publication is a narrative review based on the analysis of available scientific works, including literature reviews, individual research and longitudinal and cohort studies.
Results: Research confirms the positive correlation between exercise and depression prevention - high activity levels in youth act as a powerful prevention mechanism. The protective effects of exercise occur on three distinct but integrated levels:
- Neurobiological: aerobic exercise stimulates the expression of BDNF (supporting neurogenesis in the hippocampus), induces the secretion of anti-inflammatory myokines and optimizes sleep architecture.
- Neuroendocrine: regular exercise optimizes the functioning of the HPA axis, which moderates cortisol release in stressful situations and protects neural tissue from glucocorticoids.
- Psychosocial: exercise works through a chain mediation model, increasing self-esteem and social support. Team sports develop social skills and psychological capital. Engaging in training also creates a sense of belonging and reduces digital escape.
Conclusions: Despite methodological challenges and the need for deeper analysis of the topic the evidence we own shows that promoting moderate and vigorous physical activity among children with family support should be considered a priority, safe and low-cost investment in mental resilience during adulthood.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Krzysztof Bogdański, Zuzanna Kruszyńska, Anastasiya Aleshchyk, Michał Adamczak, Marcel Majewski, Bogumił Libura, Martyna Lazar, Łukasz Szkaradowski, Szymon Baranowski, Julia Lewańska
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