Abstract
Aim
To determine the treatment effect of resistance training in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in young people.
Methods
We searched MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and PubMed for articles published in English from January 1980 to September 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCT) that included at least 4 weeks of resistance training, with participants aged 26 years or younger with clinically elevated anxiety and depression symptoms. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to calculate a pooled effect size of resistance training pre-and post-intervention compared to control groups. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias 2 (RoB 2) and Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria.
Results
Ten RCTs involving 376 participants (209 females and 127 males) across educational, clinical, and community based setting were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. Resistance training was associated with a significant reduction in depressive (Hedge’s g = −1.06, 95% CI −1.61 to −0.51, p < .001) and anxiety (Hedge’s g = −1.02, 95% CI −1.50 to −0.54, p < .001) symptoms. Substantial heterogeneity was observed in the analysis of depression symptoms (I
2
= 79%) and anxiety symptoms (I
2
= 66%). Six trials had a low risk of bias, four trials showed some concerns. The GRADE analysis demonstrated a high level of certainty for depressive symptoms and a moderate level for anxiety symptoms.
Conclusion
Resistance training is an effective intervention in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms in young people, delivered across a range of settings. Future trials exploring the effect resistance training interventions with long-term follow up are warranted to understand the outcomes.