Physical Fitness for Depression in Adolescents and Adults: A Meta-Analysis

SuHak Oh; JeongAe  You; Young-Wook  Kim

doi:10.18502/ijph.v51i11.11160

SuHak Oh Department of Physical Education, College of Education, Inha University, Inha-ro 100, Michuhol-gu, Incheon, Korea
JeongAe You Department of Physical Education, College of Education, Chung-Ang University, Heukseok-ro 84, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Korea
Young-Wook Kim Department of Physical Education, College of Education, Inha University, Inha-ro 100, Michuhol-gu, Incheon, Korea

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v51i11.11160

Keywords: Depression; Physical fitness; Meta-analysis; Cardiovascular endurance; Muscular strength

Abstract

Background: Depression has been recognized as one of the most significant factors affecting mental health status. For this reason, several efforts to prevent and reduce depression in all ages have been made in various domains to identify the relevant factors as well as the causes of depression. The objective of this meta-analysis was to examine the effect size between physical fitness and depression in adolescents and adults.

Methods: A systematic search for meta-analysis (2009-2020) was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and RISS, with key termssuch as depression, depressive illness, and physical fitness or fitness. Overall, 19 out of 448 articles were included in the meta-analysis with strict inclusion criteria.

Results: The effect size is a medium between physical fitness and depression in adolescents and adults. Two fitness factors, namely cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength, are more relevant for alleviating depression in adolescents and adults, whereas agility was not related to depression. In particular, the cardiovascular fitness factor has an impact on almost all ages; however, muscular strength has less impact on depression in young adolescents, but has a great impact on older adults’ depression.

Conclusion: The effect size in this study is a medium between physical fitness and depression in adolescents and adults. Thus, morelongitudinal and clinical studies with larger sample sizes are needed to clarify the relationship between physical fitness and depression.