The influence of physical exercise on attentional bias: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Attentional bias refers to the tendency to prioritize attention toward negative or threatening stimuli rather than positive or neutral ones. It is closely linked to a range of psychological and behavioral disorders. Physical exercise, a behavior beneficial to both physical and mental health, has been shown to influence attentional bias. This study aims to systematically review the literature and conduct a meta-analysis on the relationship between physical exercise and attentional bias, providing a comprehensive overview of current research in this field.

To investigate the relationship between physical exercise and attentional bias across different populations, thereby providing insights for interventions targeting psychological distress and maladaptive behaviors.

Literature was retrieved from eight databases, followed by study screening, data extraction and analysis. A qualitative synthesis was conducted, while a quantitative analysis of relevant variables was performed using meta-analysis.

A total of 32 studies were included in this review. Physical exercise was found to reduce negative attentional bias in individuals with anxiety, depression, and high psychological stress, alleviating symptoms of these conditions. However, physical exercise did not significantly reduce negative attentional bias in obese or overweight individuals. It also reduced attentional bias towards addiction-related cues in addicted individuals and alleviated craving for addictive substances or behaviors. Furthermore, it reduces negative attentional bias and enhances positive attentional bias in healthy individuals, thereby promoting healthy behaviors. The effect of physical exercise on negative attentional bias appears to be modulated by exercise intensity, with moderate-intensity exercise demonstrating superior efficacy. In contrast, acute high-intensity exercise can increase an individual's negative attentional bias.

Moderate-intensity physical exercise appears effective in reducing negative attentional bias and enhancing positive attentional bias, particularly when assessed using emotionally salient image stimuli. However, effects may be attenuated or reversed under conditions of high-intensity exercise, abstract verbal stimuli, or in specific populations such as obese individuals undergoing high-energy expenditure. Therefore, moderate-intensity exercise may serve as an effective intervention for improving psychological and behavioral disorders.