A review of 11 studies (23,681 teens, ages 10–19) finds that school-based exercise can improve well‑being, self‑esteem, mood, anxiety, and emotional intelligence—but results are mixed. Programs that actually improve fitness and are structured and supervised are the most likely to help; poorly designed or too‑light programs often show no mental‑health benefit. (Ruiz‑Ranz et al., 2025, Sports Medicine and Health Science)

What’s new
Researchers sifted four databases through Dec 31, 2022 and included 7 randomized controlled trials, 2 cluster‑RCTs, 1 randomized study, and 1 controlled study—almost all delivered in schools (a few after‑school or university settings). Most interventions ran 6–18 weeks; three large programs lasted 7–10 months. Activities ranged from general sport and aerobic sessions to high‑intensity interval training (HIIT) and anaerobic routines.

What they found

• Benefits appeared in several trials: gains in subjective well‑being, self‑esteem, overall mental well‑being, and reductions in depressive mood and anxiety.
• But not universal: Some studies reported no meaningful change in quality of life or psychological symptoms.
• Key pattern: When exercise improved physical fitness, mental‑health gains were more likely. Programs that didn’t move the fitness needle usually didn’t move mental health either.
• Quality & bias: Randomization and outcome reporting were generally solid, but heterogeneity in program content, duration, and measurement tools means results should be interpreted with caution.

Why it matters
Adolescent mental health is under pressure worldwide. Schools are uniquely positioned to offer consistent, supervised physical activity that can support mental health—especially when teachers, coaches, and health professionals work together.

Takeaways for schools & families

• Aim for structured, supervised activity 2–3 times/week for ≥6 weeks (longer is often better).
• Choose programs with progression and enough intensity/duration to realistically improve fitness.
• Track both fitness (e.g., shuttle runs, step tests) and mental well‑being (validated questionnaires) to know what’s working.
• Consider variety (team sports, aerobic sessions, selected HIIT, dance/yoga) to keep teens engaged.

Caveats
Evidence is still limited and diverse. Not every program helps every student, and exercise is not a stand‑alone treatment for clinical conditions. More standardized, longer‑term RCTs are needed to pinpoint what works best, for whom, and in which settings.

Source
Ruiz‑Ranz E, Asín‑Izquierdo I, et al. “Physical activity, exercise, and mental health of healthy adolescents: A review of the last 5 years.” Sports Medicine and Health Science. 2025;7:161–172. (Accepted Oct 11, 2024; online Oct 18, 2024; DOI: 10.1016/j.smhs.2024.10.003).

Editor’s note: This article is for information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.