SynthesisPloS one2025
A META analysis and systematic review of the effects of exercise interventions on middle-aged and elderly patients with depression.
Synthesis in PloS one, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 9 papers, 3 of them syntheses that pooled it.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
9 citing papers in PubMed, 3 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.
- Association between digital smart device use and depression among older adults: systematic review and meta-analysis.BMC public health · 2026Pooled it
- Effects of physical activity on depressive symptoms in middle-aged and younger-old adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Frontiers in psychology · 2026Pooled it
- Effectiveness of physiotherapy techniques on depressive symptoms in older adults: a systematic review.Frontiers in public health · 2025Pooled it
- Effects of Aquatic Exercise on Sleep Quality in Patients with Chronic Diseases: A Meta-Analysis.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Review
- Bridging reward and resilience: the endocannabinoid system as a unifying mechanism in exercise-induced protection against major depressive disorder.Frontiers in psychiatry · 2026Review
- The relationship between physical activity and mental health in middle-aged and older Chinese adults: a moderated mediation and cross-lagged model.Frontiers in psychology · 2026Article
- The relationship between Tai Chi practice, Psychological Resilience, and depression in older adults: an integrated study of mediation and network analysis.Frontiers in public health · 2026Article
- Article
- Reporting randomised trials of physical exercise or training interventions in older adults: the PETIO guideline.European review of aging and physical activity : official journal of the European Group for Research into Elderly and Physical Activity · 2025Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectiveThis study sought to conduct a meticulous systematic review, delving into the efficacy of exercise interventions on depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults. Additionally, we aimed to scrutinize the nuanced influence of various intervention factors on the intricate relationship between exercise and depressive symptoms within this demographic.
methodsOur investigation involved an extensive search across multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, spanning from the inception of these repositories to December 2023. Following a rigorous screening process, we identified and included 12 papers, encompassing a total of 994 subjects.
resultsThe meta-analysis unveiled a compelling overall effect size of exercise interventions on depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older individuals, represented by SMD = -0.41, with a 95% confidence interval of [-0.60, -0.22], and P < 0.0001. This statistical evidence underscores the significant and positive impact of exercise interventions on ameliorating depressive symptoms in this demographic. However, a degree of heterogeneity among studies was observed, with I2 = 48% and P = 0.03.
conclusionThe comprehensive synthesis of outcomes elucidates the pronounced positive effect of exercise interventions in enhancing depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults. Specifically, the gentle and balanced exercise series emerges as particularly efficacious in mitigating depression. Furthermore, individual exercises stand out as more effective, with optimal results noted for moderate exercise sessions lasting 30 to 60 minutes. Our findings also highlight the superiority of short-term interventions, followed by medium- and long-term exercise interventions, in terms of efficacy. Nevertheless, recognizing the inherent heterogeneity and potential limitations of our study, we advocate for future large-scale, comprehensive investigations to validate these findings. Additionally, optimizing exercise intervention protocols necessitates a more nuanced understanding, urging further research endeavors to refine strategies aimed at improving depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.