Higher levels of physical activity are associated with fewer psychological problems in children and adolescentsPhysical activity helps improve mental health in children and teens

Young people are increasingly burdened by global crises. Physical activity (PA) is considered a key factor for mental health; however, for Germany, an integrated synthesis of population-based evidence is still lacking. The aim of this narrative overview is therefore to consolidate current findings on the association between PA and mental health.The analysis draws on three population-based studies conducted as module or follow-up studies in cooperation with the KiGGS study: the MoMo study (motor performance/physical activity), the BELLA and COPSY studies (mental health), and the COMO study (interdisciplinary integration). Nationwide representative samples of children and adolescents aged 4 to 23 years were examined using validated instruments to assess PA and mental health. Findings are synthesised narratively and reported by type of activity, age, sex and socioeconomic status.Overall, positive associations between PA and mental health are observed. Higher levels of PA are associated with fewer psychological problems and higher health-related quality of life. There is evidence of protective effects, particularly in relation to leisure-time sport, both within and outside sports clubs. Self-reported PA shows stronger associations with well-being than objectively measured PA. Children from socioeconomically disadvantaged families are less likely to be physically active and experience more mental health problems. Social integration and sense of competence in sport have been identified as further key psychosocial factors. PA can therefore be considered an important resource for promoting mental health. There is a need to promote low-threshold access to physical activity programmes that specifically target disadvantaged groups in order to reduce health inequalities.