Physical activity and suicidal ideation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Mental Health
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Physical activity (PA) presents a promising, widely disseminable approach for suicide prevention with minimal side effects.
• Existing research has not extensively explored the relationship between PA and suicidal ideation (SI).

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and analyze the association between physical activity (PA) levels and suicidal ideation (SI).
• To investigate the impact of physical activity (PA) interventions on reducing suicidal ideation (SI).

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive search of major electronic databases was conducted up to May 2017.
• Quantitative correlates synthesis and random-effects meta-analysis were employed to analyze data from identified studies.
• Included studies reported quantitative associations between PA and SI.

Main Results:

• A significant negative association between PA and SI was found in a majority of adult, adolescent, and older adult studies.
• Individuals who were physically active were less likely to report SI compared to inactive individuals (OR = 0.87).
• Meeting physical activity guidelines conferred a protective effect against SI, while not meeting them was associated with increased SI.

Conclusions:

• Higher levels of physical activity are associated with lower levels of suicidal ideation.
• The observed associations require confirmation through prospective observational studies and controlled trials.
• Physical activity interventions show potential but require further investigation due to mixed and limited data.