Effects of structured step-aerobics interventions on psychological well-being in nonclinical populations: a systematic review

Objective To identify, appraise, and narratively synthesize the effects of structured step-aerobics interventions on psychological well-being in nonclinical populations. Methods The eligibility criteria included intervention studies in nonclinical human samples evaluating structured step aerobics and reporting quantitative psychological or psychosocial outcomes. PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, and Scopus were searched. The RoB 2 or ROBINS-I were used to assess the risk of bias. Results were synthesized narratively. Results Seventeen studies were included (10 randomized, 7 nonrandomized; 11 repeated programs, 6 acute studies). Across this small and evidence base, preliminary favorable signals were observed for sleep quality, quality-of-life or general mental-health outcomes, depressive symptoms in one menopause-focused study, and some acute anxiety-related responses, but these findings remain uncertain because all included studies were at high or serious risk of bias. Findings for body image, self-perceptions, enjoyment, and socially evaluative outcomes were mixed and context dependent. All randomized studies were at high risk of bias and all nonrandomized studies at serious risk of bias. Conclusion Current evidence is insufficient to determine whether structured step aerobics improves psychological well-being in nonclinical populations. The available studies suggest areas for further investigation, particularly sleep quality, broader perceived well-being, and acute psychological responses, but adequately powered and better-reported trials are needed before effectiveness or practical recommendations can be established. Systematic review registration https://osf.io/5kgvd , registered in Open Science Framework ( osf.io/5kgvd ; 17/03/2026).