Physical activity, anxiety, and depression in workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: systematic review and meta-analysis
Introduction: Physical activity (PA) has been associated with lower symptoms of anxiety and depression, particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. However, evidence regarding this association in working populations remains limited. Objective: We assessed the relationship between PA and symptoms of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in working populations. Methods: We searched the PubMed and EMBASE databases in April 2024. Eligible studies included observational designs evaluating PA and anxiety or depression symptoms using validated instruments. Risk of bias was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Nine studies (8 cross-sectional and 1 cohort) involving 7,380 workers were included, with healthcare workers comprising 82.7% of participants. PA was significantly associated with reduced anxiety symptoms (OR = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.58 – 0.83; I² = 0%). In addition, a significant association was observed between PA and reduced depressive symptoms (OR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.44 – 0.71; I² = 31.6%). Conclusion: PA practiced during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with lower anxiety and depression symptoms in workers from different settings.