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This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and acceptability of exergaming as an intervention for depressive symptoms.

February 27, 2026npj Digital MedicineOpen Access

Effectiveness, acceptability, adherence, and safety of exergaming for depressive symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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Meta-analysis demonstrates exergaming reduces depressive symptoms in various populations, indicating its potential as a therapeutic option.

This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and acceptability of exergaming as an intervention for depressive symptoms.
Conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing studies.
Evaluated 58 controlled trials involving 3614 participants.
Performed a multilevel random-effects model analysis.
Assessed intervention frequency and control group types as moderating factors.
Exergaming led to a moderate and significant reduction in depression symptoms (g = -0.40).
Larger effect sizes were noted for interventions occurring more than three times a week.
Older adults showed greater improvements, with a trend toward significance in age effects (p = 0.07).
High adherence rates and good safety profiles were reported for exergaming interventions.

Tang et al. (2026) studied this question.

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Meta-analysis demonstrates exergaming reduces depressive symptoms in various populations, indicating its potential as a therapeutic option.