Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 10, 2025

Author Spotlight: Integrating Tai Chi with Mindfulness Training to Achieve an Effective Mind-Body Exercise
Published on: July 14, 2023
Exercise interventions improve depression and anxiety in chronic kidney disease patients: a systematic review and
Thalita Lauanna Ferreira1, Heitor Siqueira Ribeiro2,3, Alexandre Lima Araújo Ribeiro3
1University Center ICESP, QS 05 Rua 300 Lote 01, Águas Claras, Brasília, DF, 71961-540, Brazil. thalitalauanna@gmail.com.
Purpose:
This systematic review examined the effects of exercise interventions on depression and anxiety in chronic kidney disease patients.
Methods:
Electronic searches were conducted between August 2019 and February 2020 at PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, EBSCO, Scopus, LILACS, EMBASE, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and Cochrane Library databases. Original clinical trial studies that examined the effects of exercise on depression and anxiety in chronic kidney disease patients, stages 3-5, were included. A total of eight studies were included in the systematic review after applying the eligibility criteria, and six studies used for the meta-analysis procedures.
Results:
The meta-analysis demonstrated statistical difference on depression in favour to exercise when compared to active control (SMD = - 0.66 [- 1.00, - 0.33], p < 0.0001) and passive control (MD = - 6.95 [- 8.76, - 5.14], p < 0.00001). Same results on anxiety demonstrated statistical difference between exercise and active control (SMD = - 0.78 [- 1.21, - 0.34], p = 0.0004).
Conclusion:
From the current limited number and quality of published studies, exercise seems to be more effective than sedentary control and other active control groups for improving depression and anxiety symptoms in chronic kidney disease patients.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the...
Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
Acute Kidney Injury VI: Nursing Management

