SynthesisPloS one2026
Effectiveness of exercise-based rehabilitation for depressive symptoms, anxiety, and health-related quality of life in adults with rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Synthesis in PloS one, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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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.
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4 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundRheumatoid arthritis is frequently accompanied by depressive symptoms, anxiety, and impaired health-related quality of life. Although exercise is recommended as part of comprehensive care, its effects on psychological outcomes and quality of life remain uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated structured exercise interventions for adults with rheumatoid arthritis.
methodsPubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, and EBSCOhost were searched from inception to November 26, 2025. Randomized controlled trials comparing structured exercise with non-exercise control conditions were included. Random-effects meta-analyses used Hedges'g standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool, and certainty of evidence was rated using GRADE. The protocol was retrospectively registered with INPLASY (INPLASY202610082).
resultsFifteen trials involving 1652 participants were included. Compared with non-exercise controls, structured exercise reduced depressive symptoms (11 trials, 685 participants; standardized mean difference, -0.49; 95% confidence interval, -0.70 to -0.28; P < 0.001; I² = 42%; moderate certainty). Low-certainty evidence suggested reductions in anxiety (7 trials, 403 participants; standardized mean difference, -0.45; 95% confidence interval, -0.65 to -0.25; P < 0.001; I² = 0%) and improvements in quality of life or health-related quality of life (7 trials, 564 participants; Hedges' g standardized mean difference, 0.45; 95% confidence interval, 0.18 to 0.71; P = 0.001; I² = 50%). Subgroup analyses showed no statistically significant difference between conventional exercise and mind-body exercise.
conclusionsStructured exercise probably reduces depressive symptoms and may reduce anxiety and improve quality of life in adults with rheumatoid arthritis, supporting its use as an adjunct to comprehensive care. Larger, better-reported trials with longer follow-up are needed to clarify durability, clinical importance, and optimal delivery.
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