Can high intensity interval training improve health outcomes among people with mental illness? A systematic review and preliminary meta-analysis of intervention studies across a range of mental illnesses

Rebecca Martland; Valeria Mondelli; Fiona Gaughran; Brendon Stubbs

doi:10.1016/j.jad.2019.11.039

Can high intensity interval training improve health outcomes among people with mental illness? A systematic review and preliminary meta-analysis of intervention studies across a range of mental illnesses

J Affect Disord. 2020 Feb 15:263:629-660. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.11.039. Epub 2019 Nov 12.

Authors

Rebecca Martland¹, Valeria Mondelli², Fiona Gaughran³, Brendon Stubbs⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), London, United Kingdom. Electronic address: rebecca.martland@kcl.ac.uk.
² Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), London, United Kingdom.
³ Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), London, United Kingdom; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AZ, United Kingdom.
⁴ Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), London, United Kingdom; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AZ, United Kingdom.

PMID: 31780128
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.11.039

Abstract

Background: High intensity interval training (HIIT) may have beneficial effects among people with mental illnesses. The aim of this systematic review was to establish the benefits, safety and adherence of HIIT interventions across all categories of mental illness.

Methods: Major databases were searched from inception to 18/2/2019 for intervention studies investigating HIIT among people with mental illnesses. Study quality was assessed via the PEDro scale, intervention characteristics were reported using the TIDier and CERT checklists and findings narratively summarised. A preliminary meta-analysis was undertaken where possible.

Results: 12 intervention studies, (including 7 RCTs), were included. Evidence suggested HIIT improved cardiorespiratory fitness (5/8 intervention studies,63%), anthropometric variables (3/4,75%), mental health outcomes (9/12, 75%), cardiovascular fitness (5/9,56%), physical fitness (1/1,100%) and motor skills (1/1,100%), compare to pre-training. The preliminary meta-analysis of pre-post changes found HIIT reduced depression severity (Standardised mean difference (SMD):-1.36 [95%CI-1.63;-1.089], p<0.0001) and possibly improved VO2max (SMD:0.18 [95%CI -0.02; 0.37], p = 0.08) in people with depression. HIIT increased High-Density-Lipoprotein (SMD:0.373 [95%CI 0.18; 0.57], p = 0.0002) and possibly reduced general psychopathology (SMD:-1.58 [95%CI -3.35; 0.18], p = 0.08) in people with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. No acute injuries were reported, mean adherence to HIIT sessions ranged from 64-94%, and dropout ranged from 0--50%.

Limitations: Results were limited to a small number of low-to-moderate quality intervention studies.

Conclusion: These findings suggest HIIT may improve a range of physical and mental health outcomes among people with mental illnesses. Nonetheless, high-quality well-powered trials are needed to reaffirm these findings, and future research should address the seemingly high rate of dropout.

Keywords: Anthropometric; Cardiorespiratory fitness; Cardiovascular; High intensity interval training; Mental health; Systematic review.

Publication types

Meta-Analysis
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review
Systematic Review

MeSH terms

Cardiorespiratory Fitness*
High-Intensity Interval Training*
Humans
Mental Disorders* / therapy
Outcome Assessment, Health Care
Physical Fitness

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Grants and funding