Anxiety Reducing Effects of Physical Activity in Adolescents and Young Adults

Abstract: This systematic review provides an overview of the current literature on the effects of physical activity (PA) as an intervention to treat anxiety symptoms in adolescents and young adults. Three searches (March and May 2022; July 2024) focusing on RCTs using a PA intervention of at least moderate intensity were carried out in PubMed, PsycInfo, SportDiscus, and Google Scholar. Studies were screened, and risk of bias was assessed for all included studies. In total 2,521 studies were retrieved, and 14 RCTs were retained. Studies were compared based on several criteria, such as type of exercise, intensity, delivery mode, PA alone or as add-on treatment. Results suggest that PA is more effective compared to inactive control conditions. Intensity (moderate or high) or type of exercise (aerobic or resistance training) requirements for anxiolytic effects are less clear. Participants with elevated anxiety scores benefit more from PA interventions than those with low anxiety scores. We conclude that PA is a promising intervention to treat anxiety in adolescents and young adults. Heterogeneity between studies is high, and many present methodological shortcomings. Little is known about the underlying mechanisms responsible for anxiety-reducing effects. To advance research, more high-quality studies are needed to develop effective and personalized PA interventions.