Efficacy of exercise therapies on functional dyspepsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Drug therapy is the primary treatment for functional dyspepsia (FD), but exercise therapy may offer a promising, safe, and effective adjunct. This meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of exercise therapy compared to conventional treatments for FD. We reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to October 13, 2024, from five databases. Pooled estimates were calculated using random-effects models, with outcomes expressed as risk ratio (RR), mean difference (MD), or standardized mean difference (SMD), and 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Subgroup analyses were performed based on the control treatment methods. Fifteen RCTs involving 1359 FD patients were included. All studies reported symptom improvement, with nine assessing the effective rate, and four evaluating overall symptom scores. Key symptoms, such as epigastric fullness and pain, showed improvements, and exercise therapy also enhanced quality of life (6 studies), sleep quality (2 studies), and reduced depression (2 studies). Additionally, exercise therapy was associated with changes in the endocrine levels of MTL, GAS, and VIP, although not all hormones were equally affected. No serious adverse events were reported. In conclusion, exercise therapy significantly benefits FD patients across various aspects, providing valuable insights for future treatment strategies.