Effects of Physical Activity on Reducing Depression and Menopausal Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis

Purpose: This study systematically reviewed the effects of physical activity on depression and various menopausal symptoms in middle-aged women. We aimed to identify physical activity as a useful intervention for mitigating the physiological and psychological challenges associated with menopause and promoting healthy aging. Methods: Electronic searches were conducted in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library databases using predefined keywords “menopause” and “physical activities”. Of the 1,391 initial articles, 15 randomized controlled trials involving 1,692 middle-aged women were included. Results: Physical activities led to a reduction in depressive symptoms, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of-0.60 (95% CI,-0.90 to-0.30). Moreover, all menopausal symptoms, except vasomotor symptoms, were decreased. Specifically, the SMDs for the five subscales of menopausal symptoms were as follows: total scores:-1.53 (95% CI,-2.57 to-0.49); vasomotor:-0.76 (95% CI,-1.53 to 0.00); psychological:-0.93 (95% CI,-1.62 to-0.25); physical:-1.10 (95% CI,-1.77 to-0.43); and urogenital/sexual:-0.67 (95% CI,-1.23 to-0.12). Conclusion: Physical activity is beneficial for middle-aged women transitioning from peri-to post-menopause. Engagement in physical activity can contribute to the maintenance of overall health and well-being during aging by reducing depression and menopausal symptoms.