Effects of Martial Arts Exercise on Aggressive Behaviors in Young People: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Abstract

This study systematically compared and ranked the effects of different martial arts styles on youth aggression using a network meta-analysis. Data were retrieved from Web of Science, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, PubMed, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to July 2025. A random-effects model was applied to account for study variability, and study quality was assessed using the NIH Quality Assessment Tool. Results showed that in experimental studies, traditional non-combat martial arts (TNC-MA) significantly reduced aggression compared with inactive controls (standardized mean differences [SMD] = −0.41 [−0.73, −0.10]), with non-contact sports (NC-S) being the second most effective (SMD = −0.41 [−0.73, 0.10]). Multi-style martial arts (MS-MA) and combat-oriented martial arts (CO-MA) showed generally weak or non-significant effects, and contact sports (C-S) had the smallest effect, with occasional slight increases in aggressive tendencies. Similar patterns were observed in observational studies, where participation in TNC-MA (SMD = −0.63 [−0.88, −0.39]) and NC-S (SMD = −0.60 [−0.91, −0.29]) was associated with lower aggression levels. MS-MA and CO-MA showed weaker or non-significant associations, and C-S had the smallest association. Subgroup analyses suggested that individuals older than 12 years exhibited lower aggression levels. In conclusion, TNC-MA and NC-S showed the most consistent evidence for reducing aggression in experimental studies and for being associated with lower aggression in observational studies, whereas CO-MA, MS-MA, and C-S showed weaker or non-significant effects across both study designs. These findings highlight the value of non-competitive programs that foster mental discipline to mitigate aggression and support positive psychosocial development.