TY - JOUR T1 - Physical activity and exercise in youth mental health promotion: a scoping review JF - BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine JO - BMJ OPEN SP EX MED DO - 10.1136/bmjsem-2019-000677 VL - 6 IS - 1 SP - e000677 AU - Michaela Pascoe AU - Alan P Bailey AU - Melinda Craike AU - Tim Carter AU - Rhiannon Patten AU - Nigel Stepto AU - Alexandra Parker Y1 - 2020/01/01 UR - http://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/6/1/e000677.abstract N2 - Background/Aim This scoping review examined the breadth and outcomes of controlled trials testing the effect of physical activity and exercise interventions across all mental health outcomes for mental health promotion and indicated prevention studies in young people.Methods The literature search was conducted using ‘Evidence Finder’.Results Thirty publications were included. Available evidence suggested that interventions of varying intensity may lead to a reduction in depression symptoms and that moderate-to-vigorous-intensity and light-intensity interventions may reduce anxiety symptoms. Effects of physical activity/exercise interventions on additional mental health outcomes were also shown; however, the number of studies was small, indicating a limited evidence base. Robust research regarding the effects of physical activity/exercise on mental health promotion and as an indicated prevention strategy in young people is lacking.Conclusion The available evidence suggests that physical activity/exercise is a promising mental health promotion and early intervention strategy and warrants further investigation. ER -