Exercise review finds lower depression scores in young people, but anxiety evidence remains uncertain
Pooled randomized trials favored exercise for depression and self-esteem. Anxiety results were not statistically significant, and rankings of exercise types do not establish a clearly superior approach.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Exercise was associated with improved depression and self-esteem scores across the pooled trials, but anxiety improvement was not statistically significant. The review ranked exercise types, yet those rankings should not be read as proof of superiority. In particular, a high ranking for anxiety does not overturn the lack of a significant anxiety effect.
This abstract-based account draws on evidence rated low to moderate in quality. Intervention durations, control conditions and score scales are not specified, limiting interpretation of the reported mean differences and rankings.
What comparisons with controls showed
The network analysis found that aerobic training improved depression scores compared with control groups, while resistance training improved self-esteem. No exercise type showed a statistically significant anxiety benefit. These findings concern measured scores rather than confirmed recovery.
Why rankings need restraint
Resistance training ranked highest for depression and self-esteem; combined aerobic and resistance exercise ranked highest for anxiety. Ranking highest can still coexist with uncertain differences, so the abstract's rankings do not establish a definitive best exercise type.
The original publication
Effect of exercise interventions on depression, anxiety, and self-esteem in children and adolescents: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Zhou S, Xu Y, Yang Y et al.
BMC Public Health · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41174613
- Record checked
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