Barriers and facilitators of physical activity for individuals with depression: a systematic review within the socio-ecological model framework.

Introduction: Mental health disorders affect approximately one in every eight individuals globally, with many facing limited access to care, social exclusion, and stigma. Depression, in particular, is a leading cause of disability and has profound effects on individuals and society. Physical activity (PA) has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention to alleviate depressive symptoms and promote well-being. However, people with depression often encounter substantial barriers to PA participation, exacerbating sedentary behaviors and health disparities. Methods: This systematic review synthesizes findings from 14 peer-reviewed studies ( Results and Discussion: Adopting Bauman's socio-ecological model, there view categorizes determinants across multiple levels: individual (e.g., motivation, symptoms), interpersonal (e.g., social support), environmental (e.g., access to facilities), and policy/cultural level (e.g., educational status). Findings underscore the importance of multi-level, tailored interventions to address the complex challenges faced by individuals with depression in engaging in PA. Recommendations are provided to guide the development of inclusive, context-sensitive strategies that promote mental health through PA. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42025631996, identifier CRD42025631996.