AUTHOR=Murillo Starla , Philipsheck Ashtyn , Dementyev Fletcher , Bello-Sotto Benjamin , Bhatt Eshan , Wilson Hunter , Madison Kai , Schuck Lauren , Wiafe Seth A. , Brown Cian L. , Walker Esther J. , Wilson Sean M. 

TITLE=Psychosocial well-being in middle schoolers: effects of a school cycling program in the wake of COVID-19

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Sports and Active Living

VOLUME=Volume 7 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2025.1646805

DOI=10.3389/fspor.2025.1646805

ISSN=2624-9367

ABSTRACT=IntroductionThe impact of the Riding for Focus (R4F) school-based cycling program and key risk factors on middle school students’ mental health was evaluated following COVID-19 lockdowns. Adolescents face growing mental health challenges that the R4F program aims to address by promoting physical activity and well-being.MethodsThe study surveyed students from 31 U.S. schools, assessing mental health via the WHO-5 Well-Being Index and PSC-17-Y checklist. Non-parametric tests (Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA with Dunn's test) and effect size calculations (Cohen's d) were used; clinical risk assessments employed Fisher's Exact Test and Koopman scores with established cutoff values. Modifiable risk factors analyzed included physical activity, sleep, screen time, and breakfast habits. Linear regression evaluated dose-response relationships between these factors and wellness scores.ResultsParticipation in R4F was linked to a modest 5% boost in WHO-5 well-being scores; however, PSC-17-Y scores also increased slightly, contrary to previous findings, indicating more reported symptoms. Differences in outcomes were seen across gender and race/ethnicity. Notably, modifiable risk factors such as sleep, screen time, and physical activity showed clear dose-response relationships with mental health metrics.DiscussionResults suggest the R4F program may support adolescent mental health, though outcomes vary by demographic and lifestyle factors, highlighting a need for targeted, individualized interventions in youth populations.