A Rapid Review of Randomized Trials Assessing the Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Depressive Symptoms in People with Mental Illness

Jéssica Alves Ribeiro, Felipe Barreto Schuch, Kleber F. Meneghel Vargas, Paulo T. Müller and Daniel Boullosa ()
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Jéssica Alves Ribeiro: Program of Movement Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil
Felipe Barreto Schuch: Department of Sports Methods and Techniques, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105, Brazil
Kleber F. Meneghel Vargas: Maria Aparecida Pedrossian Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil
Paulo T. Müller: Program of Movement Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil
Daniel Boullosa: Program of Movement Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 17, 1-7

Abstract: Objective: to systematically search for randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols vs. control without exercise or other exercise protocols, in patients with mental disorders experiencing depressive symptoms, and to provide some guidance based on the current HIIT literature to improve further interventions. Methods: we searched for relevant studies, published by 18 August 2022 on PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO and SPORTDiscus databases, that used a HIIT protocol, involving adults (≥18 years) with a diagnosis of a mental disorder, participating in a HIIT or a control condition, and assessed for depressive symptoms. Results: Four studies accounting for 108 participants ( n HIIT = 55; n comparison groups = 53) met the inclusion criteria. Three out of the four studies included found significant improvements of depressive symptoms after 12 days to 8 weeks of intervention. However, there were no differences to other forms of low-to-moderate continuous exercise in 2/3 studies. Conclusions: The limited evidence suggests the effectiveness of HIIT interventions for improving depressive symptoms in people with mental illness. However, HIIT was not superior to other exercise treatments, although a trend for its superiority may be recognized. A number of methodological issues should be considered in further interventions to better characterize and identify the most efficient HIIT modalities for the treatment of depressive symptoms in these patients.

Keywords: high-intensity interval training; sprint interval training; depression; mood disorders; mental illness; exercise (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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