A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Walking Exercise on Depression

Abstract

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to analyze the effects of a walking exercise intervention on depression. METHODS We conducted searches across several databases, including DBpia, KISS, National Assembly Library, and RISS, using the PICOS framework to extract studies for meta-analysis. Following this procedure, we selected three dissertations and 12 journal articles from the literature, focusing on the effects of depression. The R program (ver.4.3.1) was used for meta-analysis to calculate the effect sizes for depression. RESULTS Outcomes from the random-effects model indicated a substantial effect size for depression, -1.00 (95% CI=-1.35, -0.65), signifying a significant effect (z=-5.56, p=.0001). CONCLUSIONS The walking exercise intervention exhibited a positive effect on depression.

Keywords

• depression
• meta-analysis
• walking