High-intensity interval training improves sleep and psychological distress: BMJ

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a safe and feasible form of exercise. The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the mental health effects of High-intensity interval training (HIIT), in healthy populations and those with physical illnesses, and to compare the mental health effects to non-active controls and other forms of exercise.

Random effects meta-analyses were undertaken for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing High-intensity interval training (HIIT) with non-active and/or active (exercise) control conditions for the following coprimary outcomes: mental well-being, symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychological stress. Positive and negative affect, distress and sleep outcomes were summarized narratively. Data sources Medline, PsycINFO, Embase and CENTRAL databases were searched from inception to 7 July 2020.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies RCTs that investigated High-intensity interval training (HIIT) in healthy populations and/or those with physical illnesses and reported change in mental well-being, depression, anxiety, psychological stress, positive/negative affect, distress and/or sleep quality.

The Results of the study are as follows:

• Fifty-eight RCTs were retrieved. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) led to moderate improvements in mental well-being, depression severity and perceived stress compared with non-active controls, and small improvements in mental well-being compared with active controls
• There was a suggestion that High-intensity interval training (HIIT) may improve sleep and psychological distress compared with non-active controls: however, these findings were based on a small number of RCTs.

Thus, the researchers concluded that these findings support the use of High-intensity interval training (HIIT) for mental health in the general population.

Reference:

Can high-intensity interval training improve mental health outcomes in the general population and those with physical illnesses? A systematic review and meta-analysis by Rebecca Martland et al. published in the British Journal of Sports medicine.

doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2021-103984