Effectiveness of Arm Swing Exercise on Comprehensive Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Arm swing exercise (ASE) is a simple and accessible form of physical activity that has been reported to reduce disease risk and enhance overall health across various populations. In alignment with the World Health Organization's recommendations for promoting physical activity, ASE requires no specialized equipment or professional supervision. However, systematic evidence on its health benefits remains limited. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of ASE on body composition, glycemic control, cardiovascular health, and musculoskeletal outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive systematic search was conducted in four major databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Thai-Journal Citation Index Center, covering studies published from inception to October 2024. Articles published in both English and Thai were included. Two independent reviewers screened and selected eligible randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies. Methodological quality was assessed using the JBI critical appraisal tool, and meta-analyses were performed using Stata software (version 18), presenting mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Thirteen studies were included, comprising eight randomized controlled trials and five quasi-experimental studies, with intervention durations ranging from 5 to 24 weeks. The ASE significantly reduced waist circumference (MD = -4.76; 95% CI: -8.36 to -1.17; and p < 0.05), hemoglobin A1C (MD= -0.80%; 95% CI: -1.19 to -0.40; and p < 0.001), fasting blood glucose (MD = -17.62 mg/dL; 95% CI: -25.93 to -9.32; and p < 0.05), and diastolic blood pressure (MD = -9.74 mmHg; 95% CI: -17.84 to -1.65; and p < 0.05). The ASE showed a non-significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (MD = -3.65 mmHg; 95% CI: -10.37 to 3.08; and p = 0.29). Additionally, the ASE significantly increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (MD = 6.96 mg/dL; 95% CI: 2.20 to 11.71; and p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study, representing the first systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on ASE, demonstrates that ASE is an effective intervention for improving body composition, glycemic control, and cardiovascular health. Given its simplicity, low cost, and broad applicability, ASE could serve as a practical public health strategy to promote health and prevent chronic diseases across diverse populations.