EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAMS ON DEPRESSION AND MENTAL HEALTH IN CHILDREN WITH CRANIOCEREBRAL INJURIES

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to investigate the underlying causes of depression in children with craniocerebral injuries and to evaluate the impact of incorporating physical activity-based mental health interventions on their recovery. Methods: From 2020 to 2022, 113 children hospitalized with craniocerebral injuries at a Children's Hospital were categorized into a non-depressed group (n=63) and a depressed group (n=50), based on the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). All children received standard care, with the depressed group additionally participating in a physical activity-based mental health intervention. Key biochemical markers, including Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH), Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), dopamine (DA), Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), epinephrine (EPI), and serotonin (5-HT) levels were analyzed before and after interventions. Results: There were no significant differences in demographic and clinical variables between groups initially. Notably, CRH and ACTH levels were higher, while DA and BDNF levels were lower in the depressed group. Multivariate analysis indicated high ACTH and low BDNF as predictors of depression risk in these children. Following the intervention, the depressed group exhibited significant improvements in depression scores and daily living capabilities as measured by the Modified Barthel Index (MBI), with more pronounced improvements in those participating in the physical activity-enhanced intervention. Conclusions: The findings suggest that alterations in specific biochemical markers are associated with the presence of depressive symptoms following craniocerebral injury in children. Furthermore, incorporating physical activity into mental health interventions not only significantly alleviates these symptoms but also enhances functional recovery. These results advocate for the integration of structured physical activity programs into the treatment protocols for children with craniocerebral injuries, emphasizing their role in improving psychological resilience and recovery in a clinical setting.