Effects of Combined Music and Exercise Therapy on Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Xiaoqin Luo, Xingyue Zhang, Carmelo Mario Vicario et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed randomized controlled trials of combined music and exercise therapy for people with mild, moderate, or severe depression. Seven trials involving 640 patients were included. Compared with control conditions or other treatments, the combined intervention was associated with a significant reduction in depressive symptoms (SMD = -0.49, 95% CI: -0.93 to -0.06, p = 0.03). Subgroup findings favored music paired with Tai Chi or aerobic exercise, particularly among patients older than 60 years. The authors caution that heterogeneity and varying risk of bias limit confidence in the evidence.
Key findings
- Across seven trials and 640 patients, combined music and exercise reduced depressive symptoms (SMD = -0.49, 95% CI: -0.93 to -0.06, p = 0.03).
- Music paired with Tai Chi (SMD = -0.96, 95% CI: -1.90 to -0.02, p = 0.04) or aerobic exercise (SMD = -0.60, 95% CI: -0.98 to -0.23, p = 0.001) showed significant subgroup effects.
- In patients older than 60 years, the subgroup effect was SMD = -0.31, 95% CI: -0.61 to -0.01, p = 0.04.
- Two studies reported transient fatigue; no withdrawals were attributed to adverse events.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that pairing music with exercise may be a tolerable non-pharmacological option associated with reduced depressive symptoms. The subgroup results offer a basis for further evaluation of specific exercise formats and older populations, but the evidence does not establish which patients are most likely to benefit or whether the effect is robust across settings.
What to keep in mind
The authors report heterogeneity and varying risk of bias among the included studies, limiting the quality of the evidence.