Physical Activity

The 2020–2021 Science Board was recruited to support the President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition in its understanding of the science of youth sports as part of the implementation of the National Youth Sports Strategy. When we began our work in January 2020, we had no idea that the youth sports system would undergo such disruption because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This interruption brought the disparities in youth sports access and participation into the spotlight, underscoring the importance of working toward the National Youth Sports Strategy vision: that one day, all youth will have the opportunity, motivation, and access to play sports.

Increasing physical activity directly contributes to improved mental health and better overall health and well-being. Physical activity has many well-established mental health benefits that include improved brain health and cognitive function, a reduced risk of anxiety and depression, and improved sleep and overall quality of life.