Mechanisms linking physical activity with psychiatric symptoms across lifespan: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: Physical activity has been suggested as a protective factor against psychiatric symptoms. While numerous studies have focused on the magnitude of the effect of physical activity on psychiatric symptoms, few have examined the potential mechanisms. Objective: The current review aimed to synthesize scientific evidence of the mechanisms through which physical activity might reduce psychiatric symptoms across the lifespan. Methods: We included articles that were published before March 2022 from five electronic databases (Medline, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Embase, and Cochrane). A qualitative synthesis of studies was conducted. The risk of bias assessment was performed using The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool for Systematic Reviews. Studies were included if they explored the possible mechanisms through which physical activity links with psychiatric symptoms (i.e., internalizing and externalizing symptoms) across the lifespan. Results: A total of 24 articles were included (three RCTs, four non-RCTs, four prospective longitudinal studies, and 13 cross-sectional studies). Overall, most of the studies (70%) focused on children, adolescents, and young adults. Our findings show that self-esteem, self-concept, and self-efficacy were the only consistent paths through which physical activity may influence psychiatric symptoms (specifically depressive and anxiety symptoms). There were insufficient studies to determine the role of neurobiological and behavioral mechanisms. Findings from our systematic review suggest that self-esteem, self-concept, and self-efficacy are potential paths through which physical activity might reduce psychiatric symptoms across the lifespan. Conclusions: Overall, future physical activity interventions with the purpose of improving mental health should consider these mechanisms to develop more effective interventions. Current literature gaps and recommendations for researchers to explore other potential mechanisms were also included. Protocol Registration: The protocol of this study was registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number CRD42021239440) and published in April 2022. Keywords: exercise, psychiatric symptom, mechanism, neurobiological, behavioral, longevity, self-concept, self-esteem, self-efficacy, psychosocial, mental disorders

Neurobiological, Psychosocial, and Behavioral Mechanisms Mediating Associations Between Physical Activity and Psychiatric Symptoms in Youth in the Netherlands

“…with greater maturity during adolescence, which might help them deal with new life circumstances (eg, academic pressure and the influence of peers) and protect their mental health. This finding is consistent with a recent systematic review 41 wherein self-dimensions were the only consistent paths observed through which physical activity was associated with improvement in psychiatric symptoms in youth.…”

“…We did not observe any other mechanisms underlying the association of sports participation with internalizing symptoms. Accordingly, the aforementioned systematic review 41 showed the role of the neurobiological mechanisms in the association between physical activity and psychiatric symptoms is unclear, probably because of the inconsistencies and heterogeneity observed among included studies. For instance, previous studies have used MRI data as indicators of the neurobiological mechanisms while others have examined the role of blood circulating biomarkers.…”

“…For instance, previous studies have used MRI data as indicators of the neurobiological mechanisms while others have examined the role of blood circulating biomarkers. 41 In healthy young individuals, neurobiological measurements in the form of circulating blood biomarkers might offer a more dynamic indication of the role of neurobiological mechanisms in the association between physical activity and psychiatric symptoms. Specifically, a 20-week physical exercise intervention was associated with a reduction in circulating macrophage scavenger receptor type I levels in children.…”