The effects of aerobic exercise on sleep quality in overweight and obese individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Nurul Farah Shafiqa Mahtar, Noor Fatihah Ilias, Sazzli Shahlan Kasim, Hashbullah Ismail
Nurul Farah Shafiqa Mahtar, Noor Fatihah Ilias, Sazzli Shahlan Kasim, Hashbullah Ismail – The effects of aerobic exercise on sleep quality in overweight and obese individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis – Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(2); 60-69
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG7D1979F2
Abstract
Background. Sleep quality is vital for health, impacting physical recovery, cognitive function, and emotional stability. Poor sleep quality is common in overweight and obese individuals. Evidence suggests aerobic exercise improves sleep quality by positively affecting physiological systems related to sleep regulation, making it a potential intervention for this group.
Objectives. This study evaluates the effect of aerobic exercise on sleep quality in overweight and obese individuals through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Methods. Four electronic databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched for randomized controlled trials (2008–2023) comparing aerobic exercise groups with control groups. Subjective sleep outcomes were measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and objective outcomes through actigraphy or polysomnography. Risk of bias was assessed using TESTEX, and meta-analyses utilized a random-effects model in RevMan 5.4.
Results. Sixteen trials (N = 1132) showed aerobic exercise significantly improved subjective sleep quality in overweight and obese individuals (lower PSQI scores, MD -1.53, 95% CI -2.88 to -0.19, p = 0.03). No significant improvements were observed in objective sleep outcomes (e.g., sleep time, latency, efficiency).
Conclusion. Aerobic exercise improves subjective sleep quality but not objective measures in overweight and obese populations. Further research is needed to explore its effects on objective sleep parameters.
Key words
aerobic exercise, sleep quality, subjective sleep quality, objective sleep quality, overweight, obese, meta-analysis
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