Effect of physical activity on anxiety for children and adolescents:a systematic review of systematic reviews
10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2025.08.003
- VernacularTitle:儿童青少年身体活动对焦虑的效果:系统综述的系统综述
- Author:
Tongnian YANG
1
;
Jie REN
;
Hui XIAO
Author Information
1. 上海体育大学竞技运动学院,上海市 200438
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
children;
adolescents;
anxiety;
physical activity;
mental health;
systematic review of systematic reviews
- From:
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice
2025;31(8):883-888
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To evaluate the effect of physical activity interventions on anxiety in children and adolescents(aged four to 19 years),as well as the potential impact of modalities,dosages and population factors on outcomes.Methods Following PRISMA and PRIOR guidelines,systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2019 and 2025 that examined the relationship between physical activity and anxiety in children and adolescents were retrieved.The methodological quality of the included literature was assessed using AMSTAR 2,and the evidence was synthesized through a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches.Results A total of seven articles were included,among which four were of high quality,two were of moderate quality,and one was of low quality.Regular physical activity was found to reduce anxiety levels in children and adoles-cents,with a moderate effect size(SMD=-0.39 to-0.54).Resistance training and low-intensity exercise may be more effective.Evidence was insufficient and contradictory for optimal physical activity dosage.Conclusion Physical activity is a promising,safe and accessible non-pharmacological strategy that can be used for the prevention and auxiliary treatment of anxiety in children and adolescents.
