The Effectiveness of School‐Based Physical Activity Promotion on Mental Health Among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Increasing evidence highlights the importance of schools in promoting both physical activity (PA) and mental health. However, previous findings on the effects of school-based PA on the mental health of children and adolescents are mostly based on short-term interventions. A synthesis of evidence is needed on the mental health effects of long-term PA promotion, which is more sustainably integrated into the school structures. In addition, a more comprehensive examination of mental health, considering internalizing symptoms, externalizing symptoms, mental well-being, and social well-being, is needed. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effects of long-term school-based PA promotion on the mental health of 7–16-year-old children and adolescents. A literature search was conducted in six electronic databases. A total of 8795 unique articles were found, of which 38 articles describing 34 studies met the inclusion criteria. Regarding internalizing symptoms, externalizing symptoms, and mental well-being, mixed results were found. However, the review showed a positive effect on social well-being. Regarding the type of PA promotion, environmental modifications and PA promotion implemented by an external actor outside the school staff were found to be effective on mental health. PA promotion implemented by school staff without a specific protocol had no effect, while PA promotion implemented by school staff following a predefined protocol showed mixed results. Based on the results, it is recommended that schools invest in promoting PA to enhance the social well-being of children and adolescents.Trial Registration: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022355274