TY  - EJOU
AU  - Bjelica, Bojan 
AU  - Aksović, Nikola 
AU  - Bubanj, Saša 
AU  - Pržulj, Radomir 
AU  - Perović, Tijana 
AU  - Lilić, Mina 
AU  - Živanović, Srđan 
AU  - Dragosavljević, Slavko 
AU  - Pavlović, Kristina 

TI  - Physical Activity and Structured Exercise Programs as Tools for Mental Health Promotion: A Systematic Review
T2  - International Journal of Mental Health Promotion

PY  - 
VL  - 
IS  - 
SN  - 2049-8543

AB  - <b>Background:</b> 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. <b>Methods:</b> 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. <b>Results:</b> 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. <b>Conclusions:</b> 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.
KW  - Psychological outcomes; exercise interventions; preventive health strategies; evidence synthesis; PEDro scale; PICOS

DO  - 10.32604/ijmhp.2026.081384