Mental health care requires diverse treatment approaches. Physical activity, particularly for depression, has proven effective in adults. However, the impact on adolescent anxiety and depression within psychiatric settings is underexplored. To determine whether adding running therapy to routine adolescent psychiatric care improves mental health outcomes in daycare or inpatient settings. This study investigates the effects of a nine-week group running program on psychological outcomes in adolescents at Ziv Medical Centre (ZMC) Mental Health unit (Israel), randomized to a nine-week group running program facilitated by a multidisciplinary team. The intervention group participated in weekly running sessions in addition to standard care; the control group received standard care only. Psychological indicators were measured before, during, and after the intervention via self-report questionnaires. Physiological characteristics (weight, height, BMI) and blood tests (blood count, blood chemistry, lipid profile, TSH) were also collected. Of 30 patients assessed for eligibility, 18 (median age 15.8 years, 70% female) were enrolled, 9 in each arm. Among them, 2 dropped out. 16 participants, 8 in each arm, were included in the analysis. No significant differences emerged between groups in physiological and psychological measures post-intervention. Within the study parameters, we could not demonstrate an impact of physical therapy. Challenges included a lack of motivation, difficulty engaging a complex patient group, and a small sample size. Future larger-scale investigations should target patients most likely to benefit and determine the program duration, structure, and intensity needed for meaningful mental health improvements.
Zager et al. (Mon,) studied this question.