Author(s): BAUMANN, H., SINGH, B., STAIANO, A., GOUGH, C., AHMED, M., FIEDLER, J., TIMM, I., WUNSCH, K., BUTTON, A., YIN, Z., VASILOGLOU, M., SIVAKUMAR, B., PETERSEN, J., DALLINGA, J., HUONG, C., SCHOEPPE, S., KRACHT, C., SPRING, K., MAHER, C., VANDELANOTTE, C., Institution: GERMAN SPORT UNIVERSITY COLOGNE, Country: GERMANY, Abstract-ID: 944

Introduction: Adolescence is a critical period for the onset of mental disorders that adversely affect well-being and academic and social functioning (Polanczyk et al., 2015). Emerging evidence indicates that modifiable lifestyle factors—particularly physical activity—can improve mental health (Kandola et al., 2019). Mobile health (mHealth) interventions offer a scalable approach to promote physical activity and optimize sedentary behaviour, sleep, and nutrition. This review focuses on the effectiveness of mHealth interventions for adolescents (11–21 years) with emotional, behavioural, and eating disorders, with special emphasis on physical activity components.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024591285). A comprehensive search of eight databases was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to October 2024. Eligible studies involved adolescents with clinically relevant mental health disorders and assessed interventions targeting lifestyle behaviours, including physical activity. Data extraction was completed independently by reviewers, and risk of bias was evaluated using the ROB2 tool.

Results: Nine RCTs with a total of 3,219 participants met the inclusion criteria. Physical activity was incorporated in 55% of the interventions. For emotional disorders, mHealth interventions that combined mindfulness, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and physical activity significantly reduced depressive symptoms (pooled effect size = –0.35, 95% CI: –0.50 to –0.20) and anxiety symptoms (–0.22, 95% CI: –0.37 to –0.07). In interventions targeting behavioural disorders, those integrating physical activity with cognitive tasks yielded a moderate reduction in symptoms (pooled effect size = –0.40, 95% CI: –0.62 to –0.18). In contrast, interventions for eating disorders produced mixed outcomes, indicating a need for more adaptive designs.

Discussion: The findings suggest that mHealth interventions, particularly those incorporating physical activity, hold promise in reducing mental health symptoms among adolescents. The benefits observed in reducing depression, anxiety, and behavioural problems support the integration of exercise components into digital interventions. Future research should refine these approaches, assess long-term sustainability, and explore integrated, multi-component strategies that complement traditional care to enhance mental health outcomes in this vulnerable population.

References: Kandola, A. et al. (2019). Physical activity and depression: Towards understanding the antidepressant mechanisms of physical activity. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 107, 525–539; Polanczyk, G. et al. (2015). Annual research review: A meta‐analysis of the worldwide prevalence of mental disorders in children and adolescents. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 56(3), 345–365.