Table 1 The effects of different types of exercise on depressive symptoms and cognitive functions

Aerobic exercise

12 sessions of preferred intensity aerobic exercise alongside treatment as usual

87 adolescents with depression

No immediate effect on depressive symptoms post-intervention, but a significant improvement was observed at 6-month follow-up.

[262]

Aerobic exercise

6-week structured aerobic program

66 low-income Hispanic children (Grade 4)

Significant reduction in depression and increased self-esteem in the aerobic group.

[263]

Supervised exercise therapy

3 one-on-one supervised sessions per week for 8 weeks, followed by a home program

81 obese adolescents (11–16 years)

Significant improvements in self-esteem and depressive symptoms. No significant changes in BMI.

[264]

Combined aerobic and resistance training

22-week aerobic, resistance, and combined training program

304 obese adolescents (14–18 years)

Resistance and combined training showed significant improvements in depressive symptoms, body image, and physical self-perception.

[265]

Aerobic exercise

12 weeks of high-intensity exercise (> 12 kg/kcal/week)

30 adolescents with major depressive disorder

Significant improvement in depressive symptoms (100% response and 86% remission in the exercise group). Sustained remission observed at 26 and 52 weeks.

[266]

Dance Movement Therapy

12 weeks of dance movement therapy (DMT)

40 adolescents with mild depression

Significant improvement in depressive symptoms and stabilization of serotonin and dopamine levels.

[267]

Jogging

8 weeks of jogging, 50-minute sessions, 5 days per week

49 adolescent females with mild-to-moderate depression

Significant reduction in depressive symptoms, urinary cortisol, and epinephrine levels. Improved cardiovascular fitness and stress response.

[267]

Aerobic exercise

13-week aerobic exercise (low dose: 20 min/day, high dose: 40 min/day)

207 overweight children (7–11 years)

Dose-response benefits on depressive symptoms. Improved self-worth in White children, but no significant improvement in global self-worth in Black children.

[268]

Personalized exercise

12-week individualized aerobic or resistance training program, 45–60 min, 3 times/week

86 college students with depressive symptoms

Significant reduction in depressive symptoms and improved physical activity in both aerobic and resistance training groups.

[269]

Square dance

12-week square dance program

136 older women with mild cognitive impairment

Improved cognitive function, quality of life, and reduced depressive symptoms.

[270]

Structured limbs exercise

24-week structured exercise program, 60 min/session, 3 sessions/week

116 older adults with mild cognitive impairment

Improved cognitive function mediated by reduced depressive symptoms and improved sleep quality.

[271]

Ballroom dancing

10 months of ballroom dancing

129 older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment

Improved cognitive performance and reduced depressive symptoms in the intervention group.

[272]

Aerobic dance

12 weeks of a specially designed aerobic dance routine

60 patients with mild cognitive impairment

Significant improvement in episodic memory and processing speed.

[273]

Yoga

12 weeks of twice-weekly yoga sessions

37 older adults with mild cognitive impairment

Reduced stress and modest improvement in visuospatial skills.

[274]

Kundalini yoga

12 weeks of Kundalini yoga, 60 min/session

81 adults with mild cognitive impairment

Improved executive functioning and resilience. Reduced depressive symptoms.

[275]

Sport stacking

12 weeks of sport stacking, 30 min/session, 5 days/week

48 older adults with mild cognitive impairment or AD

Improved cognitive function and increased neuroprotective growth factors (BDNF, IGF-1).

[276]

Walking

12 weeks of walking (moderate: 150 min/week, vigorous: 75 min/week)

37 older adults with mild cognitive impairment

Significant improvements in cognitive performance, reduced anxiety severity, and improved cardiorespiratory fitness.

[277]