The mechanisms of resistance training and its impact on anxiety and depression: a literature review

Abstract

Introduction and purpose of the study: Anxiety and depressive disorders are among the most prevalent and debilitating mental health conditions, significantly impacting global health and quality of life. Current pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments, while effective, face challenges such as limited accessibility, high costs, and stigma. Resistance training (RT) seems a promising non-pharmacological intervention for the prevention and management of these disorders. This review evaluates the efficacy of resistance training in preventing and treating anxiety and depression, with a focus on its biological and psychological mechanisms and effectiveness across diverse populations. Summary: RT significantly alleviates symptoms of anxiety and depression across diverse populations. Biological mechanisms include improved stress regulation and reduced inflammation. Psychological benefits encompass better self-esteem, improved sleep quality and emotional well-being. Structured and supervised RT programs show the greatest efficacy, with additional benefits observed in specific groups such as older adults and individuals with chronic conditions. Resistance training is an effective intervention to improve mental health outcomes. Future research should explore optimal RT protocols, long-term outcomes, and integration into multimodal treatments.

Keywords

• resistance training
• anxiety
• depression
• neuroplasticity
• inflammation
• mental health interventions