Keywords
High-intensity interval training
Mental health
Youth Ejercicio
Entrenamiento interválico de alta intensidad
Salud mental
Jóvenes
How to Cite
Abstract
Background: Given rising physical inactivity and mental health challenges, time-efficient interventions like HighIntensity Interval Training (HIIT) require rigorous evaluation. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized
the evidence for HIIT’s effects on mental health in adolescents and young adults. Method: Six electronic databases
were systematically searched for Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) up to September 2025, comparing HIIT
(defined as ≥85% HRmax) against a passive control group in non-clinical populations aged 11-29 years. Results: 11
RCTs comprising 1,401 participants were included. The random-effects meta-analysis showed a modest reduction in
perceived stress associated with HIIT (SMD = −0.29, 95% CI −0.59 to 0.004, p = .053), although the effect did not
reach conventional statistical significance and substantial uncertainty remained. No statistically significant effects were
observed for depressive symptoms, anxiety, or psychological wellbeing. Conclusions: HIIT may be associated with
modest reductions in perceived stress; however, the certainty of the evidence was low to very low across all outcomes.
These findings should be interpreted with caution, and further high-quality research is needed to clarify the effects of
HIIT on mental health outcomes.
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