Abstract
Background:
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an emerging and cost-effective exercise to reduce depressive symptoms. However, there is a lack of overview of HIIT for depressive symptoms among older adults. The objective of this study was to synthesise the feasibility and effects of HIIT on depressive symptoms among older adults.
Methods:
This study followed the PRISMA guideline. Eight electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL)) were searched to screen eligible studies. Cochrane's risk of bias tool and GRADE approaches were used to evaluate the methodology and evidence quality. Random effects meta-analyses were performed for adverse events and depressive symptoms. Sub-group meta-analyses were performed on depressive symptoms based on characteristics of participants and the HIIT protocol.
Results:
A total of 18 studies were identified in the systematic review. The retention and attendance rates of the HIIT group ranged from 59 % to 100 % and 74 % to 97 %, respectively. No significant differences were found in adverse events between HIIT and other exercises (RR = 1.34 [95 % CI 0.92, 1.95]; p = 0.13; I2 = 0 %; n = 5). Depressive symptoms were significantly reduced immediately after HIIT (SMD = −0.19 [95 % CI -0.36, −0.02]; p = 0.03; I2 = 47 %; n = 17). HIIT had a similar effect on depressive symptoms compared to other exercises (SMD = 0.06 [95 % CI -0.08, 0.20]; p = 0.41; I2 = 0 %; n = 13) and non-exercise control groups (SMD = −0.08 [95 % CI -0.43, 0.27]; p = 0.64; I2 = 75 %; n = 9).
Conclusion:
HIIT demonstrated feasible attendance and retention, as well as a similar possibility of adverse events to conventional exercises among older adults. Depressive symptoms were reduced immediately after HIIT, while there was no superiority over other control groups among older adults. Future studies with high-quality evidence are needed to examine the effect of HIIT for improving depressive symptoms among older adults.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an emerging and cost-effective exercise to reduce depressive symptoms. However, there is a lack of overview of HIIT for depressive symptoms among older adults. The objective of this study was to synthesise the feasibility and effects of HIIT on depressive symptoms among older adults.
Methods:
This study followed the PRISMA guideline. Eight electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL)) were searched to screen eligible studies. Cochrane's risk of bias tool and GRADE approaches were used to evaluate the methodology and evidence quality. Random effects meta-analyses were performed for adverse events and depressive symptoms. Sub-group meta-analyses were performed on depressive symptoms based on characteristics of participants and the HIIT protocol.
Results:
A total of 18 studies were identified in the systematic review. The retention and attendance rates of the HIIT group ranged from 59 % to 100 % and 74 % to 97 %, respectively. No significant differences were found in adverse events between HIIT and other exercises (RR = 1.34 [95 % CI 0.92, 1.95]; p = 0.13; I2 = 0 %; n = 5). Depressive symptoms were significantly reduced immediately after HIIT (SMD = −0.19 [95 % CI -0.36, −0.02]; p = 0.03; I2 = 47 %; n = 17). HIIT had a similar effect on depressive symptoms compared to other exercises (SMD = 0.06 [95 % CI -0.08, 0.20]; p = 0.41; I2 = 0 %; n = 13) and non-exercise control groups (SMD = −0.08 [95 % CI -0.43, 0.27]; p = 0.64; I2 = 75 %; n = 9).
Conclusion:
HIIT demonstrated feasible attendance and retention, as well as a similar possibility of adverse events to conventional exercises among older adults. Depressive symptoms were reduced immediately after HIIT, while there was no superiority over other control groups among older adults. Future studies with high-quality evidence are needed to examine the effect of HIIT for improving depressive symptoms among older adults.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 100731 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| Journal | Mental Health and Physical Activity |
| Volume | 29 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Oct 2025 |
User-Defined Keywords
- Depressive symptoms
- High-intensity interval training
- Meta-analysis
- Older adults
