Does exercise rehabilitate the mind behind bars? The impact of physical activity on anxiety, depression, and stress in incarcerated individuals: A systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis.
Psychol Sport ExercJun 27, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchPsychiatry
Lunxin Chen, Ruixiang Yan, Xinxin Zhang et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis examined the effects of physical activity on anxiety, depression, and stress in incarcerated individuals. The analysis included 11 studies and found significant reductions in anxiety (SMD = 0.67, p < 0.001) and depression (SMD = 0.69, p < 0.001), while no significant effect on stress levels was observed (SMD = 1.21, p = 0.154).
Key findings
- Incarcerated individuals experienced a significant reduction in anxiety with SMD = 0.67.
- Depression levels also significantly decreased with SMD = 0.69.
- No significant effect on stress levels was found (SMD = 1.21).
Why it matters
The findings highlight the potential of physical activity as a cost-effective intervention to improve mental health among incarcerated populations, addressing a critical need for effective psychological support in correctional settings.