Effectiveness of physical activity, mindfulness and mind-body therapies in improving mental health of university students: a systematic review of RCTS.
Journal of American college health : J of ACH – April 22, 2025
Source: PubMed
Summary
A remarkable 89% of interventions aimed at improving mental health among university students resulted in significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and stress. An analysis of 18 randomized controlled trials involving 2,325 students aged 18-25 revealed that both physical activities—like aerobic and strength training—and mindfulness practices—including meditation and mind-body therapies such as yoga—were effective. These interventions lasted from 1 to 16 weeks, underscoring the potential of combining physical activity and mindfulness to enhance well-being and academic performance in this population.
Abstract
University students face mental health (MH) issues like anxiety, depression, and stress, highlighting the need for effective interventions to improve well-being and academic success. This review examined 18 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from 2000 to 2023, following PRISMA guidelines. A total of 2,325 students, aged 18-25 without severe MH conditions, participated in physical activity (PA) interventions like aerobic and strength training, mindfulness practices such as meditation and mind-body therapies (MBT) such as yoga and Qigong-Baduanjin, over 1 to 16 wk. In 89% of studies, interventions led to significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and stress, with positive effects across various intervention types and durations. The findings support PA, mindfulness and MBT as effective strategies for enhancing MH among university students, though more research with standardized methods and long-term follow-ups is recommended.