Marthe Brandtzæg

• Sveaas, Silje Halvorsen; Brandtzæg, Marthe; Smedslund, Geir; Rognlien, Marte Ørbæk & Danielsen, Kjersti Karoline (2026). Effects of exercise on depression and anxiety in university students: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. 8. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2026.1708741. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Although the positive effect of exercise on mental health is well known, its application in the treatment of mental health challenges among students has been limited and lacks systematic evaluation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cardiorespiratory and muscular strength exercise on mental health among students in higher education facing mental health challenges. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in six databases (Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, and APA PsycInfo via Ovid, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus via EBSCOhost, and Scopus) up to 8 April 2025. The search strategy included terms for the population (university students), intervention (exercise), and outcomes (mental health). Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental studies with a control group investigating the effect of cardiorespiratory and muscular strength exercise on mental health outcomes among students in higher education facing mental health challenges. Two independent reviewers performed screening and data extraction. Data were pooled in random-effects models, and standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% CI were calculated (SMDs: 0.2–0.4 = small, 0.5–0.7 = medium, and ≥0.8 = large effect sizes). Certainty of the evidence was evaluated according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Results Of 6,173 records screened, 11 RCTs and four quasi-experimental trials were included, comprising a total of 659 students. There was low-certainty evidence for large effects of exercise on symptoms of depression [SMD=−1.05 (−1.49, −0.60), p  < 0.001] and anxiety [SMD=−0.78 (−1.25, −0.31), p  < 0.01]. There was very low-certainty evidence for the effect of exercise on anxiety sensitivity. Conclusion The results suggest medium to large effects of cardiorespiratory and muscular strength exercise on symptoms of depression and anxiety among students in higher education facing mental health challenges. These forms of exercise may be considered as potential treatment modalities for mental health challenges within the student health services.

• Brandtzæg, Marthe; Danielsen, Kjersti Karoline; Øverby, Nina Cecilie; Helle, Christine; Wills, Andrew Keith & Sveaas, Silje Halvorsen (2025). Higher Physical Activity Level is Associated With Increased Well-being and Better Mental Health in Women up to 4 Years Postpartum: A Cohort Study. Journal of Physical Activity and Health. ISSN 1543-3080. 22(1), p. 1409–1417. doi: 10.1123/jpah.2024-0654. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Many women reduce physical activity (PA) level during pregnancy, which may contribute to increased risk of mental health challenges. The aim was to describe changes in PA levels in women over a 4-year postpartum period and to investigate associations between PA level and mental health. Methods: Seven hundred fifteen Norwegian women recruited from child health centers and social media completed web questionnaires. PA was measured 5, 12, 24, and 48 months postpartum as frequency per week (>30 min short of breath/sweating): <1/week, 1 to 2/week, and ≥3/week. Mental health was measured 5, 12, and 24 months postpartum and included psychological distress, self-efficacy, joy/anger, and depression. Change in PA levels was analyzed with Friedman test using longitudinal data, and associations were analyzed with multiple linear/logistic regression using cross sectional data. Results: In the 207 women completing all PA measurements, the levels showed a consistent pattern throughout the period. On a group level, there was a decrease in PA frequency from 5 to 12 months (P < .001) and an increase from 12 to 24 months (P = .024). Higher PA levels were associated with increased joy (β = 0.17; 95% CI, 0.04–0.31; P = .012) and self-efficacy (β = 0.25; 95% CI, 0.12–0.39; P < .001) 5 months postpartum and reduced depression symptoms (β = −0.16; 95% CI, −0.30 to −0.01; P = .036) and risk of psychological distress (odds ratio = 0.27; 95% CI, 0.09–0.79; P = .017) 12 months postpartum. Conclusion: Most of the women had a low PA level postpartum, and the levels showed a consistent pattern throughout the period. The findings indicated that higher levels of PA were associated with better mental health in postpartum women.

View all works in NVA