Multimodal exercise programs may improve posttraumatic stress disorders symptoms and quality of life in adults with PTSD: An overview of systematic reviews with meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective

This overview of reviews aimed to summarize the effectiveness of exercise, regular physical activity or mind–body exercises on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and comorbidities associated with PTSD (e.g. depression symptoms) among individuals without age, gender, race, ethnicity or setting restrictions.

Data Sources

The CINAHL, Embase, PubMed and SPORTDiscus databases were searched from inception to November 16, 2023.

Review methods

Systematic reviews with meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials evaluating exercise, regular physical activity or mind–body exercises were considered. Control groups and outcome measures were not restricted. AMSTAR 2 assessed the methodological quality of reviews. The overlap between reviews was calculated.

Results

A total of 14 systematic reviews were included meta-analyzing 23 distinct randomized clinical trials. There was a very high overlap between reviews (corrected covered area = 16%). PTSD symptoms, depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, sleep quality, substance abuse and quality of life were meta-analyzed. No reviews meta-analyzed the effects of regular physical activity. Overall, the meta-analyses found multicomponent exercise programs may have positive results in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving quality of life. In addition, the results of yoga were inconsistent across the meta-analyses for PTSD symptoms, and no differences between groups were found in favor of yoga for depression symptoms. Finally, no specific conclusions could be made about anxiety symptoms, sleep quality and substance abuse.

Conclusion

A multicomponent exercise program may be effective in improving PTSD symptoms and quality of life, whereas yoga may be ineffective for depression symptoms in adults with PTSD.