Effects of Training with Different Modes of Strength Intervention on Psychosocial Disorders in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Physical exercise has a positive impact on anxiety and depression. However, the evidence that associates strength training with a decrease in adolescents’ psychosocial disorders is scarce. Consequently, the objective was to analyze the effects of training with different modes of strength intervention on anxiety, stress, and depression in adolescents. The search was designed according to PRISMA®. We searched WoS, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, PubMed, and MEDLINE (2010–2020). Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration. The analysis was carried out with a standardized mean difference (SMD) pooled using the Hedges g test (95% CI). The Main Outcome Measures were: anxiety, stress, and depression in adolescents post strength training. Nine studies were included in the systematic review and seven in the meta-analysis. These studies showed a large and significant effect of strength training on anxiety (SMD = −1.75; CI = 95%: −3.03, −0.48; p = 0.007) and depression (SMD = −1.61; CI = 95%: −2.54, −0.67, p = 0.0007). In conclusion, training with different modes of strength intervention have shown control over anxiety and depression in adolescents. However, conventional strength training seems to have better results than other modes of strength intervention.