Wang Yidan, Zhang Xiaotu, Zhang Ye, Zhang Hongshi
Department of Nursing, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China.
Front Psychiatry. 2025 Feb 19;16:1515266. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1515266. eCollection 2025.
In recent years, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has gained significant attention due to its efficient use of time. Studies have shown that engaging in regular physical activity can effectively reduce symptoms of anxiety. Given the potential side effects and limitations associated with pharmacological treatments for anxiety disorders, there is a growing interest in exploring non-pharmacological interventions. HIIT, as an alternative approach, offers a promising avenue for managing anxiety without relying on medication. However, the specific efficacy and applicability of HIIT for individuals diagnosed with anxiety disorders have not been systematically summarized in the literature. This scoping review aims to explore the effectiveness of HIIT as an intervention for improving anxiety symptoms, as well as its range of applicability, by synthesizing existing research.
A scoping review methodology was employed to search databases including PubMed, Web of Science, EMbase, and the Cochrane Library. Studies were selected based on predefined criteria: randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and quasi-experimental designs focusing on the improvement of anxiety, using HIIT as the primary intervention. Exclusion criteria included studies with mixed interventions or populations with comorbid conditions. Two independent evaluators screened titles, abstracts, and full texts, extracted data using a pre-tested form, and resolved discrepancies through discussion to ensure consistency and accuracy.
A total of 541 articles were identified, of which 16 met the inclusion criteria for this review. The samples comprised various populations, including healthy subjects, overweight males, prostate cancer patients, etc. Twelve studies indicated that HIIT significantly improves anxiety symptoms, especially for individuals with lower baseline anxiety. The effect was less pronounced in those with higher baseline anxiety. Additionally, the studies suggest that variations in training protocols-such as frequency, intensity, and duration-may influence the extent to which HIIT improves anxiety symptoms.
This study underscores the potential of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) as an effective intervention for reducing anxiety symptoms, especially when tailored to individual baseline characteristics. Variations in training parameters such as frequency, intensity, and duration are critical factors in optimizing HIIT's effectiveness for mental health benefits.HIIT shows promise as a valuable tool for managing anxiety, with the potential to significantly improve mental health outcomes when implemented with careful consideration of individual differences and protocol variations. This study provides a foundation for refining HIIT protocols and expanding their applicability across diverse populations.
近年来，高强度间歇训练（HIIT）因其高效利用时间而备受关注。研究表明，定期进行体育活动可有效减轻焦虑症状。鉴于焦虑症药物治疗存在潜在副作用和局限性，人们对探索非药物干预措施的兴趣日益浓厚。HIIT作为一种替代方法，为无需依赖药物治疗焦虑提供了一条有前景的途径。然而，HIIT对被诊断为焦虑症患者的具体疗效和适用性在文献中尚未得到系统总结。本综述旨在通过综合现有研究，探讨HIIT作为改善焦虑症状干预措施的有效性及其适用范围。
采用综述方法检索包括PubMed、科学网、EMbase和Cochrane图书馆在内的数据库。根据预定义标准选择研究：以HIIT作为主要干预措施，关注改善焦虑的随机对照试验（RCT）、队列研究和准实验设计。排除标准包括混合干预研究或患有合并症人群的研究。两名独立评估人员筛选标题、摘要和全文，使用预先测试的表格提取数据，并通过讨论解决差异，以确保一致性和准确性。
共识别出541篇文章，其中16篇符合本综述的纳入标准。样本包括不同人群，如健康受试者、超重男性、前列腺癌患者等。十二项研究表明，HIIT能显著改善焦虑症状，尤其是基线焦虑水平较低的个体。对基线焦虑水平较高的个体，效果不太明显。此外，研究表明训练方案的差异，如频率、强度和持续时间，可能会影响HIIT改善焦虑症状的程度。
本研究强调了高强度间歇训练（HIIT）作为减轻焦虑症状有效干预措施的潜力，特别是在根据个体基线特征进行调整时。训练参数如频率、强度和持续时间的变化是优化HIIT对心理健康益处有效性的关键因素。HIIT有望成为管理焦虑的有价值工具，在仔细考虑个体差异和方案变化的情况下实施，有可能显著改善心理健康结果。本研究为完善HIIT方案并扩大其在不同人群中的适用性提供了基础。
