A large Swedish-initiated study finds that regular physical activity in childhood, especially participation in organized sports, may reduce the risk of psychiatric conditions by late adolescence. The findings arrive at a time when youth mental health is a rising concern in Thailand and around the world, underscoring practical, evidence-based paths for prevention. The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in May 2025, followed thousands of children from birth and tracked their activity patterns to later diagnoses of anxiety, depression, and related conditions.
In Thailand, the growing focus on youth mental health makes these results particularly relevant. Global estimates suggest 10–20% of children experience mental disorders at some point, while local data from the Thai Ministry of Public Health indicate rising rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide risk among school-age children. The idea that daily movement can act as a protective factor resonates with many Thai families seeking accessible prevention strategies.
The Swedish study stands out for its solid, prospective design. Researchers gathered detailed parent-reported data on daily activity, outdoor time, and organized sport participation at ages 5, 8, and 11, then followed participants to age 18. Mental health diagnoses were identified through Sweden’s national health records, allowing a robust link between activity and later outcomes.
Key findings show that more daily physical activity around age 11—the preadolescent period—correlates with a meaningful reduction in psychiatric diagnoses. Each extra hour of activity per day was associated with roughly a 12% lower risk of any psychiatric condition. Boys particularly benefited: regular activity at ages 5 and 11 was linked to about a 39% lower risk of anxiety disorders. Participation in organized sports further strengthened protection for both boys and girls against depression, anxiety, and addiction.
These conclusions align with prior Canadian and Australian work, but the current study emphasizes clinically diagnosed conditions rather than self-reported symptoms. The researchers also note that the protective effects cluster around ages 10–12, suggesting a critical window to foster resilience through movement and sport.
Possible mechanisms include inflammation reduction, better stress resilience, and enhanced self-esteem. Social elements of team sports—peer support and belonging—likely contribute, especially in cultures that value collective activities. The study also observed gender differences that hint at biological and social factors influencing how activity affects mental health.
For Thailand, the implications are substantial. Urbanisation, high academic pressures, and screen time limit children’s opportunities for safe, structured play. While private clubs and international schools offer some access, many families still face barriers. Still, mental health challenges cross socioeconomic lines, underscoring the need for broad, inclusive strategies. A Thai Health Promotion Foundation survey recently highlighted rising loneliness and anxiety among youth, reinforcing the urgency of scalable movement-based solutions.
Thai culture already values movement, social connection, and outdoor activity. Traditional games and school sports have long contributed to well-being, though modern pressures sometimes limit participation. A renewed policy emphasis on daily physical education, revived local sports programs, and inclusive, community-based activities could form part of a comprehensive national mental health strategy.
Global experts urge policymakers and educators to act on this growing evidence. The study itself notes that daily movement has broad benefits and should inform school curricula. The World Health Organization recommends at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily for children and adolescents, a target that many Thai youths still struggle to meet. Data from Thai health authorities indicate a gap between guidelines and reality, underscoring the need for practical, scalable strategies.
A Thai academic from a major mental health research institution, speaking on condition of anonymity, reflects: “This research reinforces traditional wisdom—childhood play and movement protect against sadness. But to sustain this, public policy and schools must reclaim space for movement rather than leaving it to chance.” Clinicians are increasingly incorporating movement-based peer support and organized sport into community health programs outside Bangkok.
Some caution remains. The relationship between activity and mental health is complex and mediated by socioeconomic status, family environment, and access to safe spaces. The Swedish study acknowledges limitations, including reliance on parental reporting and the high-income context. Still, the broader global evidence, including experiences from Finland, Canada, and now Sweden, supports investing in movement-promoting interventions.
Thailand’s National Strategy on Human Capital Development is aligning with these insights, emphasizing holistic development and well-being. Pilot projects in daily active breaks and after-school sport programs offer promising models, though reaching rural and low-income urban communities remains a priority.
Moving forward, experts advocate a coordinated approach: remove barriers to daily movement (safer streets, reduced traffic), expand access to school and community sports, train teachers on movement’s mental health benefits, and educate families about daily play. Creative adaptations—such as online fitness challenges during high air pollution periods or community-led “active weekends” at temples—can help reintegrate movement into urban life.
The takeaway for Thai families, schools, and policymakers is clear: prioritize daily physical activity and organized sports as practical, low-cost supports for children’s emotional well-being. For families, aim for at least an hour of movement daily and seek community-based sports or recreational events. Schools should weave structured physical activity into the core curriculum, not treat it as an add-on. At the societal level, investing in safe public spaces, parks, and inclusive sports programs can yield long-term benefits for mental health, education, and overall well-being.
As Thailand navigates rapid social changes, movement offers a hopeful, practical path grounded in robust science and cultural tradition.
Key sources (integrated within the article):
- Research by a leading Swedish birth cohort on physical activity and psychiatric conditions
- Studies from Canada and Australia linking childhood activity to lower mental health risk
- World Health Organization guidelines on physical activity for children and adolescents
- Thai Health Promotion Foundation data on youth loneliness and anxiety