Effect of Exercise and Meditation on Depression and Anxiety Reduction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Objectives: Despite the studies that examined the effect of exercise and meditation on depression and anxiety, no meta-analysis has proved this effect so far. Also, the effect of these factors is unknown in terms of gender and aerobic exercise. This meta-analysis addressed these gaps. Methods: Major electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase, were searched until July 2019. Studies addressing the effect of exercise and meditation on depression and anxiety were found. Q-test and I2 statistic investigated the heterogeneity across the studies. The probability of publication bias was explored using Begg's and Egger's tests. The results were expressed as the Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval using a random-effects model. Results: We identified a total of 10015 references and 51 studies involving 3594 participants. Compared with the control group, the SMD estimate of anxiety was -0.7 (-1.20, -0.19) for meditation, -0.9 (-1.24, -0.57) for aerobic, and -1.07 (-1.67, -0.46) for other exercises. Also, the SMD estimate of depression was-0.84 (-1.26, -0.42) for meditation, -0.44 (-0.72, -0.17) for aerobic, and -1.10 (-1.55, -0.65) for other exercises. Conclusion: Exercise and meditation had a significant effect on depression and anxiety. Furthermore, there was an effect of the exercise and meditation on depression and anxiety regarding the female gender and aerobic exercise.