Effectiveness of physical activity, mindfulness and mind-body therapies in improving mental health of university students: a systematic review of RCTS.
Saved in:
| Title: | Effectiveness of physical activity, mindfulness and mind-body therapies in improving mental health of university students: a systematic review of RCTS. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | García-Pérez, Laura (AUTHOR), Atencia-Rodriguez, Maria Elena (AUTHOR), Cepero-González, Mar (AUTHOR), Padial-Ruz, Rosario (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Journal of American College Health. Apr2026, Vol. 74 Issue 4, p1085-1100. 16p. |
| Subjects: | Treatment of psychological stress, Anxiety treatment, Mental health, Research funding, Psychological distress, Mindfulness, Treatment effectiveness, Descriptive statistics, Tai chi, Psychological well-being, Randomized controlled trials, Rumination (Cognition), Loneliness, Mind & body therapies, Systematic reviews, MEDLINE, Yoga, Intraclass correlation, Meditation, Aerobic exercises, Academic achievement, Psychology of college students, Online information services, Qi gong, Sleep quality, Physical activity, Mental depression, Inter-observer reliability |
| Geographic Terms: | Spain |
| Abstract: | Introduction: 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. Methods: 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. Results: In 89% of studies, interventions led to significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and stress, with positive effects across various intervention types and durations. Discussion: 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Journal of American College Health is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
|
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Login for full access.
|
|
| Abstract: | Introduction: 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. Methods: 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. Results: In 89% of studies, interventions led to significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and stress, with positive effects across various intervention types and durations. Discussion: 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 07448481 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/07448481.2025.2492174 |
