Practicing sport from an early age brings a multitude of benefits, not only physical but also mental. The team of the Sports Medicine Unit of the Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, a member of Top Doctors, supports these beneficial effects, such as the development of the locomotor system, the cardiovascular system and the neuromuscular system.
Some of these benefits are related to childhood obesity, which is directly linked to a sedentary lifestyle and is one of the biggest problems facing society today. There are numerous physical benefits that sport has on obesity.
Spain is the sixth country in Europe with the highest rate of childhood obesity. According to the latest studies, 23% of children up to the age of 11 are overweight. If a child is active, in addition to controlling weight, it will prevent the appearance of associated organic complications, such as diabetes.
It is essential for children to engage in aerobic activities in which there is movement. The ideal sports are, for example, field hockey or soccer. If they are not attracted to team sports, they can do swimming, dancing or athletics.
On the other hand, there are associated beneficial effects at a psychological-cognitive level. There are studies that relate sports with better academic performance and a greater attention span. In addition to providing qualities such as agility, coordination and balance, it is related to a lower probability of suffering from anxiety or depression.
An active child always grows up healthier because he/she includes exercise in his/her daily routine and gets used to it.
It is important to emphasize the importance of family involvement, not only when it comes to practicing sports, but also when it comes to choosing the activity. When no pressure is exerted, the child is happier and failure is farther from the horizon. Adapting the type of activity to the needs and qualities of each individual is essential.