Mind–Body Physical Activity Interventions and Stress-Related Physiological Markers in Educational Settings: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Mind–Body Physical Activity (MBPA) in educational settings is one possible preventive strategy for ameliorating stress-related physiological health parameters. The objectives of this study were to conduct a systematic review of the literature with meta-analyses on the effects of MBPA on stress-related physiological health markers in primary, secondary, and higher education students. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, the search for peer-reviewed articles published in English was conducted in PubMed, EBSCOhost, PsychInfo, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases. Criteria for inclusion consisted of empirical studies targeting the student population (primary, secondary, higher education), studies examining the effectiveness of an MBPA intervention, studies including a control or comparison group (pre-test/post-test studies excluded), studies targeting physiological marker outcomes such as heart rate, blood glucose, cortisol, and blood pressure, and finally, studies examining interventions implemented within educational settings. Twenty-six interventions were eligible for the review and quantitative synthesis, which comprised a total of 1625 participants, with 783 students serving within the control/comparison group. There were statistically significant and large pooled effects for MBPA effectiveness for lowering heart rate (Hedges’ g = −1.71, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): −2.43, −0.98), cortisol (Hedges’ g = −1.32, 95% CI: −2.50, −0.16), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (Hedges’ g = −1.04, 95% CI: −1.53, −0.58). These effects tended to be stronger in older students compared to younger students. Most analyses were characterized as having high heterogeneity and only 10 of the 26 studies were characterized as good quality (38.4%). MBPA interventions may have a positive impact on specific physiological health markers in students, especially in students within higher education. However, higher-quality research is needed in this area.

Digital mental health interventions for anxiety and depressive symptoms in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

“…CBT, DBT, and mindfulness-based techniques had previously proven to be effective options to reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms in university students, even independently of the pandemic. 47---49 Similarly, PPIs 50 and mind-body interventions 51,52 had been formerly tested in university settings, even if the existing evidence remains scarce. Clarifying their potential role as beneficial options for higher education students' mental health is even more necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic and related waves.…”

Students’ intelligence test results after six and sixteen months of irregular schooling due to the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Mind wandering can be defined as thoughts about concerns that are unrelated to the task at hand and it takes up limited resources of executive functioning, potentially impairing any cognitive performance [37]. The pandemic brought numerous stressors for many students, such as increased tension at home, loss of social contact with peers, or worries related to safety and health; [38] further, it led to a loss of resources like physical activities, which help to reduce negative stress effects [39]. However, the effects of stress on cognitive performance are not well understood.…”

“I Felt Grounded and Clear-Headed”: Qualitative Exploration of a Mind-Body Physical Activity Intervention on Stress Among College Students During COVID-19

“…Mind-body physical activity (MBPA) combines ancient techniques. 6 , 7 MBPA described as “yoga, tai chi, qigong, mindful walking, walking meditation, and physical practice, were developed in Eastern culture, in other words, with origins that lie outside of the Western culture” 7 (p. 2). Evidence shows that MBPA ameliorates stress.…”

“…3 More than 64% of students reported life stress about personal health problems, and 74.8% experienced difficulties related to their loved ones, which interferes with mental health, and can be mitigated by a higher sense of well-being induced by regular PA. 4,5 Mind-body physical activity (MBPA) combines ancient techniques. 6,7 MBPA described as "yoga, tai chi, qigong, mindful walking, walking meditation, and physical practice, were developed in Eastern culture, in other words, with origins that lie outside of the Western culture" 7 (p. 2). Evidence shows that MBPA ameliorates stress.…”