Effect of web-implemented exercise interventions on depression and anxiety in patients with neurological disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Web-implemented exercise intervention is the latest and innovative method to improve people's mental health. Currently, many studies have proven that web-implemented interventions are effective to improve depression and anxiety in adults. However, the influence of different web-implemented exercise interventions on depression and anxiety in patients with neurological disorders is still unclear. Objective: The study aims to systematically summarize the type and content of web-implemented exercise interventions and quantify the effect of different web-implemented exercise interventions on depression and anxiety in patients with neurological disorders. Methods: Four literature databases (PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and WanFang data) were searched. The literature search considered studies published in English or Chinese before October 13, 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that participants accepted web-implemented interventions were included. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias for included studies. Standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% CI were used to integrate the effect size. Results: 16 RCTs (a total of 963 participants) were included. The results showed that web-implemented exercise intervention had a significant effect on depression (SMD = −0.80; 95% CI, −1.09 to −0.52; I2 = 75%; P < 0.00001) and anxiety (SMD = −0.80; 95% CI, −1.23 to −0.36; I2 = 75%; P = 0.0003) in patients with a neurological disorder. The subgroup analysis showed that the effectiveness of the web-implemented exercise intervention was influenced by several factors, such as web-implemented exercise intervention type, component, and intervention duration. Conclusion: Web-implemented exercise intervention has a relieving effect on depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with neurological disorders. Additionally, the intervention type, intervention duration, and component can influence the effect size. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails, identifier: CRD42023409538.