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Comparing Mindful and Non-Mindful Exercises on Alleviating Anxiety Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Wendy Wing Yan So

    (Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong)

  • Erin Yiqing Lu

    (Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong)

  • Wai Ming Cheung

    (Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong)

  • Hector Wing Hong Tsang

    (Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong)

Abstract

Background: In recent years, studies and reviews have reported the therapeutic benefits of both mindful and non-mindful exercises in reducing anxiety. However, there have not been any systematic reviews to compare their relative effectiveness for therapeutic application, especially among the non-clinical population. Thus, the aim of this review is to compare the effectiveness between mindful and non-mindful exercise on treating anxiety among non-clinical samples. Methods: Potential articles were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Academic Search Premier, and PsycInfo. Randomized controlled trials, which involved both mindful and non-mindful exercises as intervention, and the use of anxiety outcome measures were included. Results: Twenty-four studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in our systematic review. In addition, 14 studies provided sufficient data to be included in the meta-analysis. For studies that reported significant group differences at post-assessment, results showed that mindful exercise was more beneficial in reducing anxiety than non-mindful exercise. The meta-analysis reported that yoga was more effective in reducing anxiety than non-mindful exercise. Conclusions: Compared to non-mindful exercise, yoga is shown to be more effective in alleviating anxiety symptoms. It is recommended that yoga could be used as a primary healthcare intervention to help the public reduce anxiety.

Suggested Citation

  • Wendy Wing Yan So & Erin Yiqing Lu & Wai Ming Cheung & Hector Wing Hong Tsang, 2020. "Comparing Mindful and Non-Mindful Exercises on Alleviating Anxiety Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-16, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:22:p:8692-:d:449762
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Jonathan Y. Cagas & Stuart J. H. Biddle & Ineke Vergeer, 2022. "For Exercise, Relaxation, or Spirituality: Exploring Participation Motives and Conformity to Masculine Norms among Male and Female Yoga Participants," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(2), pages 1-18, January.
    2. Javier Martinez-Calderon & Maria de-la-Casa-Almeida & Javier Matias-Soto, 2022. "The Effects of Mind–Body Exercises on Chronic Spinal Pain Outcomes: A Synthesis Based on 72 Meta-Analyses," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-23, September.

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