Combat Sports Participation, Depressive Symptoms and Mental Health: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Background: Mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and mood disturbances, represent one of the most pressing public health challenges of the 21st century. Despite available pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments, a significant proportion of patients do not achieve full remission, highlighting the need for effective adjunct interventions. Combat sports, including judo, boxing, taekwondo, MMA, and BJJ, combine high-intensity physical training with psychological discipline, emotional regulation, and strong social bonds, making them a compelling area of inquiry in mental health.

Aim: To provide a synthesis of current scientific evidence examining the relationship between combat sports participation and mental health outcomes including depressive symptoms, anxiety, mood states, and psychological well-being across diverse populations, age groups, and combat sport disciplines.

Material and Methods: A narrative literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect using terms including combat sports, martial arts, depression, and mental health. A total of 37 sources were included.

Results: Regular participation in combat sports is broadly associated with reduced depressive symptoms and improved mental health across all age groups. Judo and taekwondo show the strongest evidence base, boxing shows promise in clinical populations, while MMA and BJJ foster resilience and emotional regulation. Sport-specific risks including weight cutting, injuries, and head impacts may moderate these benefits.

Conclusions: Combat sports participation shows consistent potential to positively influence a broad spectrum of mental health outcomes, including depressive symptoms, anxiety, mood states, resilience, and psychological well-being, across diverse age groups and populations. The magnitude of these benefits is moderated by training environment, discipline type, duration, and the appropriate management of sport-specific risks.