Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40993622›Full record

SynthesisBMC public health2025

Effects of different physical activity interventions on depressive symptoms in menopausal women: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Hongyu Wang, Shuang Li, Xiaolin Zhang, Ying Zhu, Qianqian Huang, Ke-Lei Guo, Dong Li

Abstract readSystematic ReviewNetwork Meta-Analysis
PubMed Full text at PMC Publisher
In one paragraph

Synthesis in BMC public health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers, 5 of them syntheses that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
6citing papers in PubMed, 5 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

6 citing papers in PubMed, 5 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
  2. Pooled it
  3. Pooled it
  4. Pooled it
  5. Pooled it
  6. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Hongyu Wang *School of Physical Education and Health, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China.
Shuang Li *School of Physical Education and Health, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China.
Xiaolin ZhangSchool of Physical Education and Health, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China.
Ying ZhuSchool of Physical Education and Health, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China.
Qianqian HuangSchool of Physical Education and Health, Zhaoqing University, Zhaoqing, China.
Ke-Lei GuoSchool of Physical Education and Health, Zhaoqing University, Zhaoqing, China. guokelei20040328@163.com.
Dong LiSchool of Physical Education and Health, Zhaoqing University, Zhaoqing, China. Lidong58999@163.com.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundDepression in peri- and post-menopausal women burdens families and health systems. Physical activity is recognized as a complementary therapy for menopausal depressive symptoms, but prior studies lack direct comparisons of intervention types. This network meta-analysis fills this gap by evaluating multiple physical activity modalities via direct and indirect comparisons, establishing an evidence-based hierarchy to guide clinical decisions and provide actionable guidance for managing depression in these women.

methodsA systematic search across four databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science) identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs ) on physical activity for depression in peri- and post-menopausal women. Search timeframe: database inception to April 2025. Two independent researchers selected studies, extracted data, and assessed quality via the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. We conducted frequentist network meta-analyses (Stata/SE 15.1) integrated direct and indirect evidence. Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking Curve (SUCRA) ranked interventions by efficacy probabilistically, with higher values indicating superior outcomes.

resultsTwenty-three RCTs were ultimately included in the meta-analytical synthesis. The results demonstrated superior therapeutic efficacy of aerobic exercise in alleviating depressive symptoms among peri-and post-menopausal women (SUCRA = 78.7%), closely followed by multi mode motion (SUCRA = 78.1%). Stretching exercise and mind-body exercises also achieved clinically meaningful improvements, with respective SUCRA values of 72.6% and 45.4%.

conclusionOur findings show aerobic exercise, multimodal motion, and stretching best reduce depressive symptoms in peri- and post-menopausal women. Clinicians should prioritize aerobic exercise; multi modal motion programs (combining aerobic and stretching) may boost adherence for those seeking variety. Despite physical activity's proven antidepressant effects, key challenges include developing theory-based strategies to support long-term adherence, especially amid menopausal physiological changes that hinder consistent exercise.

trial registrationThis study has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD420251026378).

Indexed as

DepressionExerciseExercise TherapyMenopauseFemaleHumansMiddle AgedRandomized Controlled Trials as TopicDepressiveMental healthNetwork meta-analysisPerimenopausePhysical activityPostmenopausal women

Identifiers

PMID40993622
PMCPMC12462009

What Socratic holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.