Physical activity and mental health trends in Korean adolescents: Analyzing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic from 2018 to 2022

Objective Mental health significantly affects the physical and emotional development of adolescents. The aim of the current study was to examine how physical activity (PA) and mental health among Korean adolescents changed before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We used comparative cross-sectional methods, gathering information from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency databases and conducting Chi-square testing and correlation analysis for evaluation. Results The findings indicate that before and during the pandemic, participation in both moderate- and high-intensity PA, as well as strength training, mitigated stress, depression, and suicidal ideation. Furthermore, the findings confirm the beneficial effects of various physical activities on mental well-being. Conclusions These insights emphasize the vital role of regular PA in improving mental health among adolescents, particularly during a health crisis such as the pandemic.