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Anxiety, Academic Performance, and Physical Activity in University Students: A Scoping Review.
Israel Vinueza-Fernández1,2, Wilmer Esparza3, Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez4,5
1Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina (CISeAL), Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito 170143, Ecuador.
European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education
|November 26, 2025
Summary
Physical activity may reduce anxiety and improve academic performance in university students. More experimental research is needed to confirm these benefits and understand how exercise impacts student well-being.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sports Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Anxiety disorders are prevalent globally, affecting over 280 million individuals and often linked to cognitive impairment.
- University students exhibit high susceptibility to anxiety, impacting their daily lives and academic pursuits.
- Physical activity (PA) is recognized for its potential to mitigate stress and anxiety while enhancing cognitive functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review on the relationship between physical activity, anxiety symptoms, and academic performance in university students.
- To identify existing research gaps concerning physical activity interventions for student anxiety and academic outcomes.
- To synthesize current evidence on the effects of exercise on anxiety and academic performance within this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of major databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus) adhering to PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
- Inclusion of observational and experimental studies examining physical activity, anxiety, and academic performance in university students.
- Application of a descriptive-analytical approach to assess the impact of exercise interventions.
Main Results:
- Analysis of 27 selected studies from 362 screened records indicates a positive association between PA interventions and reduced anxiety symptoms.
- Evidence suggests that physical activity, regardless of intensity, may lead to improvements in academic performance among university students.
- A significant scarcity of experimental studies specifically investigating PA's effects on this population was identified.
Conclusions:
- Physical activity interventions show promise in alleviating anxiety and potentially enhancing academic performance in university students.
- Further rigorous experimental research is essential to establish causality and explore the underlying mechanisms of PA's benefits.
- Targeted interventions and research focusing on university students are crucial for addressing prevalent anxiety issues in this group.
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