The effects of physical exercise on anxiety symptoms of college students: A meta-analysis

Objective: To evaluate the effect of exercise interventions on alleviating anxiety symptoms in college students using meta-analysis. Methods: Systematic searches of CNKI, Wanfang, Weipu, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science up to January 19, 2022 identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving physical or aerobic exercise in college students with anxiety symptoms. Stata 16.0 was used for meta-analysis, subgroup analyses, and publication bias assessment. Results: Nine RCTs (n=483) were included. Overall, physical activity significantly alleviated anxiety symptoms (SMD = -0.55, 95% CI = -0.76 to -0.35; Z = 5.38; P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses indicated aerobic exercise and yoga were effective (aerobic: SMD = -0.39, 95% CI = -0.74 to -0.04; yoga: SMD = -0.76, 95% CI = -1.14 to -0.39). Publication bias was not evident (Egger’s test t = 0.67, 95% CI = -4.69 to 8.34, P = 0.52). Conclusion: Exercise interventions, particularly aerobic exercise, have a positive effect on alleviating anxiety in college students; aerobic exercise appears optimal.