Effectiveness of physical activity, mindfulness and mind-body therapies in improving mental health of university students: a systematic review of RCTS

IntroductionUniversity students face mental health (MH) issues like anxiety, depression, and stress, highlighting the need for effective interventions to improve well-being and academic success.MethodsThis 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.ResultsIn 89% of studies, interventions led to significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and stress, with positive effects across various intervention types and durations.DiscussionThe 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.