Integrating Adapted Physical Activity and Sports in Clinical Psychological Treatment of Depression in Youth
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders among youth, significantly impacting quality of life and daily functioning. Traditional treatments for depression include psychotherapy and medication. However, integrating adapted physical activity and sports into clinical psychological treatment shows promising results as an adjunct therapy for depression.
Our s research aims to study the impact of physical activity and sports on depressive symptoms in youth,
The methodology included evaluating various types of exercises, such as aerobic and resistance training, and their effects on the participants’ psychological state. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to assess the severity of depressive symptoms before and after the intervention.
Case Study
Participant: A 18-year-old male diagnosed with moderate depression.
Intervention: The participant engaged in a structured adapted physical activity program consisting of:
• Aerobic exercises: 30 minutes of running , five times a week.
• Resistance training: 30 minutes of weight lifting, three times a week.
• Group sports: Participation in a weekly soccer match with peers.
Studies, including the case study, have shown that adapted physical activity can significantly reduce depressive symptoms in youth