Physical exercise and symptoms of depression and anxiety in college students: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Abstract

The prevalence and diagnosis of cases of university students with emotional health problems is increasing, and thus, we be-lieve in the positive and beneficial effects of physical exercise as a viable intervention for the prevention of anxiety and de-pression in this population. Given this context, this research aimed to investigate the effects of exercise or physical activity on depression and/or anxiety in university students, following the recommendations of the PRISMA Declaration. The search was carried out in the Pubmed, Scopus, Scielo, Lilacs and PsycInfo databases, until January 2021. In search strategy was used: “physical exercise” [or] “physical activity” [ and] depression [or] anxiety [and] students [or] “university students”. Although research limitations have been found, physical exercise can be an important element to be considered in the treatment and prevention of psychopathologies such as those represented here. It is believed, therefore, that the interventions proved to be effective, especially for the reality and routine of young university students, who have peculiar characteristics and inaccuracies in identifying and treating them properly. In addition, it can be an affordable option for its implementation, on university campuses, and it can also be combined with psychotherapeutic interventions, or even pharmacological ones in cases identified with this need.