LifestyleExercise

A structured recreational exercise program reduces digital addiction and improves sleep quality in children aged 10-14

An 8-week recreational exercise program (3 sessions per week) significantly reduced digital addiction levels and improved sleep quality in 40 children aged 10-14, with large effect sizes. Improvements were maintained at a 6-week follow-up, while the control group showed no significant changes.

Last updated: Jul 17, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score44/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Effects of a recreational exercise program on digital addiction and sleep quality in children.

observational

Altin M · Frontiers in psychology (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 8 weeks
Intervention: 8-week structured recreational exercise program (2-week adaptation + 6-week main implementation, 3 times per week)
Outcome: Digital addiction (Digital Addiction Scale for Adolescents) and sleep quality (Sleep Quality Scale and Sleep Variables Questionnaire)
Effect Size: Large (exact value not reported in abstract)
Population: 40 middle school students aged 10-14 (20 girls, 20 boys)

Result:

PubMed: 42459611DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1869072

Mechanism Graph

Recreational exercise provides structured physical activity
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Reduces sedentary screen time and digital engagement
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Improves physiological and psychological regulation
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Result: Decreased digital addiction and enhanced sleep quality

Limitations

  • ⚠Small sample size (n=40) limits generalizability
  • ⚠No blinding of participants or instructors due to exercise intervention nature
  • ⚠Follow-up limited to 6 weeks; long-term sustainability unknown

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of exercise was included in the recreational program?▼

The abstract does not specify the exact activities, only that it was a structured recreational exercise program with an adaptation phase.

How was digital addiction measured?▼

Digital addiction was assessed using the Digital Addiction Scale for Adolescents.

Were there any differences between boys and girls in the results?▼

The abstract does not report subgroup analyses by gender.

Can this program be implemented in schools?▼

The authors suggest school-based recreational interventions are promising, but the study was conducted with a small sample and requires replication.

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References

  1. 1.Altin M. "Effects of a recreational exercise program on digital addiction and sleep quality in children.." Frontiers in psychology, 2026. PMID: 42459611 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1869072
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.