Open Access

REVIEW

Physical Activity and Structured Exercise Programs as Tools for Mental Health Promotion: A Systematic Review

Bojan Bjelica^1,*, Nikola Aksović², Saša Bubanj³, Radomir Pržulj¹, Tijana Perović¹, Mina Lilić⁴, Srđan Živanović⁵, Slavko Dragosavljević⁵, Kristina Pavlović⁵
1 Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, University of East Sarajevo, Lukavica, East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
2 Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Priština in Kosovska Mitrovica, Leposavić, Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia
3 Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
4 Faculty of Science and Engineering, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
5 Faculty of Medicine, University of East Sarajevo, Lukavica, East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
* Corresponding Author: Bojan Bjelica. Email:
(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Physical Activity and Structured Exercise Programs as Tools for Mental Health Promotion)

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion https://doi.org/10.32604/ijmhp.2026.081384

Received 01 March 2026; Accepted 15 May 2026; Published online 23 June 2026

Abstract

Background: Mental health disorders are a major global burden, highlighting the need for effective non-pharmacological interventions. Physical activity has emerged as a promising strategy for improving mental health outcomes. This systematic review examined the effects of structured physical activity and exercise interventions on mental health outcomes, addressing the growing need for effective non-pharmacological strategies for mental health promotion. Methods: The review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycINFO for studies published between 2017 and December 2025. Study selection was based on the PICOS framework. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Results: Included studies involved clinical and non-clinical populations across various age groups. Structured exercise interventions (aerobic, resistance, or combined) were associated with reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms, as well the improvements in psychological well-being and stress-related outcomes. Across the included studies, interventions of moderate-to-vigorous intensity performed two to five times per week over periods ranging from 6 to 24 weeks appeared to demonstrate the most consistent benefits. However, this observation is based on qualitative comparison of the included studies rather than a formal meta-analytic dose–response analysis. PEDro scores ranged from 4 to 8, indicating moderate to high methodological quality. Conclusions: Structured exercise interventions appear to be a promising and feasible approach for improving mental health outcomes across diverse populations. However, due to heterogeneity in study designs and outcome measures, the findings should be interpreted with caution, and further high-quality research is needed.

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Keywords

Psychological outcomes; exercise interventions; preventive health strategies; evidence synthesis; PEDro scale; PICOS

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