Effects of different types of exercise intensity on improving physical health in children and adolescents: A systematic review

Abstract

A substantial body of empirical evidence reveals that physical activity is associated with a wide range of positive physical and mental health outcomes. However, a dearth of comprehensive syntheses is observed concerning the varying effects of different exercise intensities on the improvement of physical health among children and adolescents. This review aims to systematically study the effects of different exercise intensities on the physical fitness of children and adolescents, to determine the optimal exercise intensity for improving physical fitness and health, and to provide a relevant theoretical basis for optimal the physical education curriculum in schools.This study employed a systematic search strategy across four online databases (PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, and Web of Science). Intervention studies that met the inclusion criteria underwent a thorough screening process, and their methodological quality was assessed utilizing the PEDro scale. The selected literature was systematically analyzed and evaluated through induction, summary, analysis, and evaluation. These findings indicate that high-intensity exercise training exerts significant positive effects on body composition, cardiopulmonary function, blood pressure, and muscle health in children and adolescents. Therefore, we suggest that schools should focus on high-intensity sports in their physical education curriculum, which can further improve the students' physical fitness and health.