Effectiveness of physical activity, mindfulness and mind-body therapies in improving mental health of university students: a systematic review of RCTS.

Physical activity, mindfulness, and mind-body therapies such as yoga and Qigong-Baduanjin can reduce anxiety, depression, and stress among university students aged 18 to 25 without severe mental health conditions. A review of 18 randomized controlled trials involving 2,325 students found that in 89% of studies, these interventions led to significant improvements in mental health, regardless of the specific type or duration of the program. The evidence supports these approaches as effective strategies for enhancing well-being in this population, though the authors recommend more research with standardized methods and long-term follow-ups.

Study at a glance

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.