Effects of aquatic exercise on mood and anxiety symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Wang, Ye; Liu, Jingmin; Liu, Yujie

doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1051551

Cited by 7 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 59 publications

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“…In addition, our study suggests that anxiety levels were significantly better after swimming than those in the control group, post-intervention. A recent systematic review supports our findings, indicating that swimming exercise could significantly improve mental health and anxiety symptoms ( Tang et al, 2022b ).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

Assessing the effect of regular swimming exercise on the micro- and macrovascular physiology of older adults (ACELA II study)

Klonizakis,

Mitropoulos

2023

Front. Physiol.

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Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the main cause of death in the Western world. Our recent findings demonstrate potential CVD risk reduction in older adults who undertake regular swimming exercise. Nevertheless, it remains unknown whether an exercise intervention based on swimming is feasible and effective prior to a wider implementation of a CVD risk prevention strategy.Methods: This was a pragmatic, two-group, randomised controlled trial. A total of 40 older adults were randomly split into two groups (n = 20 per group). The swimming exercise group consisted of participants who engaged in swimming exercise (2–3 days/week, for 8 weeks). The control group did not perform any exercise. Flow-mediated dilation (%FMD) was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included raw cutaneous vascular conductance. Feasibility outcomes (e.g., recruitment, adherence, and attrition rates) were also assessed.Results: Statistically significant macrovascular (%FMD; swimming group: 9.8% ± 4.2%, p <0.001; control group: 4.6% ± 2.5%) and microvascular function (raw cutaneous vascular conductance; swimming group: 4.1 ± 0.9, p <0.01; control group: 3.2 ± 1.1) improvements were observed in the swimming group compared to the control group. Compliance to twice and thrice weekly in an 8-week swimming exercise was 92.6% and 88.4%, respectively, with no dropouts.Conclusion: Our 8-week, community-based, pragmatic swimming exercise intervention is a feasible and effective exercise programme that could be implemented in older adults for the prevention of age-related CVD. These findings suggest that swimming exercise could significantly reduce CVD risk in older adults, and a large research clinical trial is warranted to establish these findings.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

Assessing the effect of regular swimming exercise on the micro- and macrovascular physiology of older adults (ACELA II study)

Klonizakis,

Mitropoulos

2023

Front. Physiol.

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“…A holistic understanding of the exercise prescription in mental health contexts demands further exploration, especially considering variables like intensity, duration, and frequency. Our findings, when juxtaposed with prior studies, suggest that the mental health effect SMD of internet-based exercise is somewhat lesser than other forms, including aquatic exercise (SMD = −0.77), [37] aerobic exercise (SMD = −0.53), [38] and Yoga. [39]…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 78%

Effects of internet-based exercise intervention on depression and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Chen,

Huang,

Liu

et al. 2024

Medicine

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Background: While exercise is acknowledged for its positive effects on depression and anxiety symptoms, the benefits of internet-based exercise on mental health have not been extensively examined. This study seeks to systematically review and quantify the outcomes of high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigate the impact of internet-based exercise on depression and anxiety symptoms. Methods: Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of RCTs. Databases, including Web of Science Core Collection, PubMed, PsycINFO, Medline, BIOSIS Previews, SPORTDiscus, and Education Source, were scoured through in September 2023. After quality assessment and data extraction, the analysis was performed using R. Using random effects models, effect sizes were determined and subsequently represented as standardized mean differences (SMD). Results: Our analysis incorporated data from 11 RCTs, involving a cohort of 1009 participants. We observed a modest yet significant reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms, with an SMD of −0.44 [95% confidence interval (CI) (−0.63, −0.26), I^2 = 79.3%, P < .01]. Interestingly, the effects were more pronounced in individuals diagnosed with depression, as indicated by an SMD of −0.96 [95% CI (−1.55, −0.37), I^2 = 82%, P < .01]. Furthermore, participants utilizing smartphone applications as part of their intervention reported a meaningful reduction in their symptoms, evidenced by an SMD of −0.52 [95% CI (−0.90, −0.14), I^2 = 87%, P < .01]. Additionally, short-term interventions, specifically those lasting <12 weeks, indicated a notable alleviation in depression symptoms, with an SMD of −0.76 [95% CI (−1.38, −0.14), I^2 = 86%, P < .01]. Conclusion: Internet-based exercise interventions yield significant amelioration in depression and anxiety symptoms, with heightened efficacy observed among individuals with depression. Notably, short-term interventions, specifically those under 12 weeks, demonstrate enhanced benefits for depression relief.

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“…Although this is the first study focussing on menstrual and perimenopausal symptoms and cold water swimming, this finding is supported by existing literature on cold water and/or swimming and mental health improvement. 28,46,52,53 Our study supports a positive effect of cold water swimming on mental health. Multiple studies have shown higher rates of elevated mood, reduced stress and reduction in reported symptoms in outdoor swimmers, and three controlled studies finding a significant difference between the swimmers and the controls.…”

Section: Psychological Symptoms Caused By Menstruation and Perimenopausesupporting

confidence: 76%

How do women feel cold water swimming affects their menstrual and perimenopausal symptoms?

Pound,

Massey,

Roseneil

et al. 2024

Post Reprod Health

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Objective This study aimed to determine how women felt cold water swimming affected their menstrual and perimenopausal symptoms. Study design An online survey that asked women who regularly swim in cold water about their experiences. The survey was advertised for 2 months on social media. Questions related to cold water swimming habits and menstrual and perimenopausal symptoms were analysed. Main outcome measures Quantitative and qualitative data including; frequency of menstrual and menopause symptoms, the effect of cold water swimming on these symptoms. Results 1114 women completed the survey. Women reported that cold water swimming reduced their menstrual symptoms, notably psychological symptoms such as anxiety (46.7%), mood swings (37.7%) and irritability (37.6%). Perimenopausal women reported a significant improvement in anxiety (46.9%), mood swings (34.5%), low mood (31.1%) and hot flushes (30.3%). The majority of women with symptoms swam specifically to reduce these symptoms (56.4% for period and 63.3% for perimenopause symptoms). Women said they felt it was the physical and mental effects of the cold water that helped their symptoms. For the free text question, five themes were identified: the calming and mood-boosting effect of the water, companionship and community, period improvements, an improvement in hot flushes and an overall health improvement. Conclusion Women felt that cold water swimming had a positive overall effect on menstrual and perimenopause symptoms. Studies on other forms of exercise to relieve menstrual and perimenopause symptoms may show similar findings.

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Effects of aquatic exercise on mood and anxiety symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Cited by 7 publications

References 59 publications

Assessing the effect of regular swimming exercise on the micro- and macrovascular physiology of older adults (ACELA II study)

Assessing the effect of regular swimming exercise on the micro- and macrovascular physiology of older adults (ACELA II study)

Effects of internet-based exercise intervention on depression and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis

How do women feel cold water swimming affects their menstrual and perimenopausal symptoms?

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