Increased daily steps linked to better adolescent mental health

A study published in ‘JAMA Network Open’ suggests a correlation between higher daily step counts and improved mental health in adolescents. Researchers from King’s College London and the University of Massachusetts Amherst analyzed data from 5,515 participants in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study across 21 US locations.

Using Fitbit devices to objectively track activity, the study found that 11- to 12-year-olds who walked more steps tended to report fewer symptoms of anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues one year later. Specifically, those walking fewer than 5,000 steps daily showed the most symptoms, while those walking over 12,000 steps showed the fewest. MRI scans indicated slight differences in cortical thickness in brain regions associated with motor function and emotional regulation among more active participants.

While the findings show a statistical link, researchers emphasized that this is an observational study and does not prove that walking directly causes improved mental health. They noted that it remains possible that adolescents with better baseline mental health are simply more active. The study also found no significant correlation between step counts and academic performance.