Journal article
The effect of exercise on suicidal behaviors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Journal of affective disorders, Vol.330, pp.355-366
06/01/2023
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.071
PMID: 36871911
Abstract
Although exercise may positively impact those with mental or other medical illnesses, there is a lack of understanding on how it influences suicidal ideation or risk.
We conducted a PRISMA 2020-compliant systematic review searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and PsycINFO from inception to June 21, 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating exercise and suicidal ideation in subject with mental or physical conditions were included. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted. The primary outcome was suicidal ideation. We assessed bias of studies with risk of bias tool 2.
We identified 17 RCTs encompassing 1021 participants. Depression was the most included condition (71 %, k = 12). Mean follow up was 10.0 weeks (SD = 5.2). Post-intervention suicidal ideation (SMD = -1.09, CI -3.08–0.90, p = 0.20, k = 5) was not significantly different between exercise and control groups. Suicide attempts were significantly reduced in participants randomized to exercise interventions as compared to inactive controls (OR = 0.23, CI 0.09–0.67, p = 0.04, k = 2). Fourteen studies (82 %) were at high risk of bias.
This meta-analysis is limited by few, and underpowered and heterogenous studies.
Overall, our meta-analysis did not find a significant decrease in suicidal ideation or mortality between exercise and control groups. However, exercise did significantly decrease suicide attempts. Results should be considered preliminary, and more and larger studies assessing suicidality in RCTs testing exercise are needed.
•Suicidal ideation was not different between exercise and control groups.•Suicide attempts were reduced in exercise groups compared to inactive controls.•All-cause discontinuation was not different between exercise and control groups.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- The effect of exercise on suicidal behaviors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
- Creators
- Nicholas Fabiano - University of OttawaArnav Gupta - University of OttawaJess G. Fiedorowicz - University of OttawaJoseph Firth - University of ManchesterBrendon Stubbs - South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation TrustDavy Vancampfort - KU LeuvenFelipe B. Schuch - Department of Sports Methods and Techniques, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, BrazilLucas J. Carr - University of IowaMarco Solmi - University of Ottawa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of affective disorders, Vol.330, pp.355-366
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.071
- PMID
- 36871911
- NLM abbreviation
- J Affect Disord
- ISSN
- 0165-0327
- eISSN
- 1573-2517
- Publisher
- Elsevier B.V
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 03/03/2023
- Date published
- 06/01/2023
- Academic Unit
- Psychiatry; Epidemiology; Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center; Health, Sport, and Human Physiology
- Record Identifier
- 9984375458802771
Metrics
20 Record Views