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Educating the Student Body
et al., 2006); fewer studies have been conducted among younger children. 
Correlation studies have shown that the association of physical activity 
with depression is not affected by age (Ahn and Fedewa, 2011). 
Few studies have examined the influence of other sociodemographic 
characteristics of participants on the relationship between physical activ-
ity and mental health (Ahn and Fedewa, 2011), but studies have been 
con ducted in populations with diverse characteristics. One study of low-
income Hispanic children randomized to an aerobic intensity program 
found that the intervention group was less likely to present with depression 
but did not report reduced anxiety (Crews et al., 2004; Hallal et al., 2006). 
A study that included black and white children (aged 7-11) found that a 
40-minute daily dose of aerobic exercise significantly reduced depressive 
symptoms and increased physical appearance self-worth in both black and 
white children and increased global self-worth in white children compared 
with controls (Petty et al., 2009). Physical activity also has been positively 
associated with mental health regardless of weight status (normal versus 
overweight) or gender (male versus female) (Petty et al., 2009; Ahn and 
Fedewa, 2011); however, results are stronger for males (Ahn and Fedewa, 
2011).
Improvements in mental health as a result of physical activity may 
be more pronounced among clinically diagnosed populations, especially 
those with cognitive impairment or posttraumatic stress disorder (Craft 
and Landers, 1998; Ahn and Fedewa, 2011; Biddle and Asare, 2011). 
Evidence is less clear for youth with clinical depression (Craft and Landers, 
1998; Larun et al., 2006; Biddle and Asare, 2011). Individuals diagnosed 
with major depression undergoing an intervention entailing aerobic exer-
cise have shown significant improvement in depression and lower relapse 
rates, comparable to results seen in participants receiving psychotropic 
treatment (Babyak et al., 2000; Penedo and Dahn, 2005). One program 
for adults with Down syndrome providing three sessions of exercise and 
health education per week for 12 weeks resulted in more positive expecta-
tions, fewer emotional barriers, and improved life satisfaction (Heller et 
al., 2004; Penedo and Dahn, 2005). Ahn and Fedewa (2011) found that, 
compared with nondiagnosed individuals, physical activity had a fivefold 
greater impact on those diagnosed with cognitive impairment and a twofold 
greater effect on those diagnosed with emotional disturbance, suggesting 
that physical activity has the potential to improve the mental health of those 
most in need. 
In sum, although more studies are needed, and there may be some dif-
ferences in the magnitude and nature of the mental health benefits derived, 
it appears that physical activity is effective in improving mental health 
regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, or mental health status.

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Educating the Student Body: Taking Physical Activity and Physical Education to School
Relationship to Growth, Development, and Health
 
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