Physical activity interventions on outcomes of depression, anxiety, and well-being in university students – a systematic review (and meta-analysis)

INTRODUCTION University and college students might be at higher risk of developing mental health issues due to high stress levels, and depression and anxiety disorders peaking during these years. Physical Exercise Interventions (PEIs) effectively improve mental health and well-being outcomes in various populations [1]. However, existing reviews in university students [2] solely focus on self-reported questionnaires. Therefore, this review aims to investigate the effectiveness of PEIs in university students not only using validated questionnaires, but also psychophysiological measures (e.g., EEG, HRV) to decrease depressive and anxiety symptoms, and to increase well-being. METHODS The review followed the PRISMA guidelines. The search was conducted on Web of Science and SPORTDiscus with the following eligibility criteria: university or college students, physical activity intervention, outcomes of depression, anxiety, or well-being, psychophysiological measures, and English language. Reviews and meta-analyses were excluded. The methodological quality of included studies is assessed using the PEDro scale. A meta-analysis will be performed if feasible. RESULTS After removing duplicates, the search revealed 2,140 records. The screening process, methodological quality assessment, data extraction, and synthesis are ongoing. We expect that PEIs are efficient strategies to decrease depression and anxiety symptoms and improve well-being in university students [2]. We also expect to find increased HRV after PEIs and modulations of theta and alpha brain rhythms. If meta-analysis is feasible, a small-to-moderate effect size favoring the PEIs is expected [1]. CONCLUSIONS This review will provide a comprehensive overview of the effectiveness of different PEIs (e.g., aerobic exercise, yoga), comparing the findings to existing literature. It is expected that there will be limited information about the effectiveness of PEIs combined with standard treatment (e.g., psychotherapy) in students. However, research suggests the additional benefits of combining these interventions over standard treatment alone in clinical populations [3]. The findings of this review will help to inform future intervention studies aimed at improving mental health and well-being in university students.