Atividade e exercício físico como prevenção e/ou redução de sintomas de depressão e ansiedade em adolescentes em fase escolar

Abstract

Adolescence constitutes a crucial transition period between childhood and adult maturity, characterized by the confluence of physical, mental, emotional, sexual and social development processes. Objective: To analyze and describe the effects of physical activity and exercise on improving and/or reducing anxiety and depression in adolescents at school. Methodology: Indirect research, based on bibliographic review. The database adopted was the CAPES Periodicals Portal. The criteria for selecting the studies included the keywords adolescent, physical activity, physical exercise, depression and anxiety, as well as delimiting the age range of the adolescent audience. Additionally, peer-reviewed scientific journals and randomized controlled clinical trials, whose publications occurred in the last five years (2019 to 2024), were considered as criteria. Results: The five studies covered in this investigative analysis analyzed the effects of physical activity and physical exercise in reducing depressive and anxious symptoms, emphasizing the benefits of these practices for adolescents' mental health. Conclusion: Need to implement public health policies and programs that encourage regular adherence to physical activities among adolescents, not only as a strategy for promoting physical health, but also as an effective tool in promoting psychological and in the prevention of mental disorders. Studies show that regular exercise can improve students' concentration, memory, and academic performance, as well as reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression.