REVIEW article
Front. Psychol.
Sec. Movement Science
This article is part of the Research TopicTowards a Psychophysiological Approach in Physical Activity, Exercise, and Sports-Volume VView all 27 articles
Resistance Training for Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Provisionally accepted
- 1Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, China
- 2Hunan First Normal University, Changsha, China
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Background: Depression is common and disabling. Resistance training (RT) is a promising adjunct, but quantitative evidence on efficacy and optimal prescription is uncertain. Objective: To evaluate RT effects on depressive symptoms in adults with diagnosed depression and explore potential effect modifiers. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and CNKI from inception to August 2024 (searches refreshed 10 Oct 2025) for RCTs comparing RT with non-exercise control (PROSPERO CRD42024583413). Two reviewers screened and extracted data per PRISMA 2020. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were pooled with random-effects models. Pre-specified exploratory subgroups included clinical phenotype (primary vs comorbid), measurement type, training frequency, age, baseline severity, duration, intensity, and weekly volume. Risk of bias and small-study effects were assessed. Results: Twenty-nine RCTs (N=2,036) met criteria. RT reduced depressive symptoms versus control (SMD −0.94, 95% CI −1.16 to −0.72; I²≈80%). Benefits appeared for both primary depression (SMD −1.12, 95% CI −1.43 to −0.81) and comorbid depression (SMD −0.66, −0.96 to −0.36), with a modest between-group contrast (Q_between=4.41, p=0.036). Effects were directionally consistent across self-report and observer-rated scales and across frequency strata; other exploratory modifiers showed no consistent differences. Sensitivity analyses yielded similar estimates; no clear small-study effects were detected. Conclusions: RT meaningfully reduces depressive symptoms in adults with diagnosed depression. Given substantial heterogeneity, modifier findings remain exploratory. Future trials should standardize intervention reporting and include preregistered follow-ups to test durability and refine dose.
Keywords: Resistance Training, Depression, Exercise, Meta-analysis, randomized controlled trial
Received: 28 Jun 2025; Accepted: 04 Nov 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Chang, Wang, Zhang, Shan and Liu. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence:
Shun Shan, tyshanshun@hnfnu.edu.cn
Haiyuan Liu, a821532376@gmail.com
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