Exercise as a therapeutic strategy for depression in menopausal women: a metaanalysis of randomized trials.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Menopause is a transitional phase in a woman's life marked by a heightened vulnerability to depressive symptoms. Exercise has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological strategy for alleviating depression, yet the extent to which different intervention characteristics influence outcomes remains unclear.

Objective

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the overall effectiveness of exercise interventions in reducing depressive symptoms among menopausal women and to examine potential moderators through detailed subgroup analyses.

Methods

A comprehensive search of four databases identified 16 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) meeting the inclusion criteria. Standardised mean differences (SMDs) were calculated to quantify effect sizes. Subgroup analyses were con

SUBMITTER: Li S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12492449 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature