The impact of aerobic exercise on depression in young people: A meta regression and meta-analysis

The impact of aerobic exercise on depression in young people: A meta regression and meta-analysis

Authors
Yang, Q. Wang, J. Lu, Y.
Year
2025
Journal
Psychology of Sport & Exercise
Volume
77
Pages
102803
OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to 1) update the existing evidence on the antidepressant effects of aerobic exercise (AE) in youth. 2) Investigate any potential dose-response relationships between AE interventions and depressive symptom reduction. 3) Provide evidence-based insights to inform future research and clinical depression treatment. METHODS: Employing the PRISMA and PERSiST guidelines, a comprehensive search across nine databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, SportDiscus, CINAHL, Medline, Embase, and CNKI) yielded a total of 782 relevant studies. Following rigorous selection criteria, 26 eligible studies (comprising 22 different samples) were included in the analysis, featuring a combined sample size of 1308 participants. The meta-analysis was conducted via R. RESULTS: AE notably decreased depressive symptoms among youth [g = -0.92; 95% CI (-1.16, -0.69); p < 0.01]. Significant dose-response relationships were observed across age groups [beta = -0.06; 95% CI (-0.12, 0.00), p < 0.05], the intensity [beta = -0.03; 95% CI (-0.06, 0.00); p < 0.05], and the duration ^ 2 [beta = 0.001, 95% CI (0.001, 0.002), p < 0.05] of the AE intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic exercise interventions can effectively alleviate depressive symptoms in youth. A moderate-intensity AE program, lasting 25-40 min and conducted three times a week for 9-15 weeks, can increase alleviation of depression.

Oversett med Google Translate
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Type of intervention

Treatment and Child Welfare Interventions

Topic

Mental Health Problems and Disorders

Emotional Problems

Depression and Depressed Mood

Intervention

Public Health Interventions

Physical Activity

Age group

School Aged Children (6-12 years)

Adolescents (13-18 years)

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