Mental health outcomes and physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Rocío de las Nieves Pizarro Andrade, Yordanis Enriquez Canto, Roger Joaquín Angulo Salas, Claudia Rebeca Cahui Ramirez, Giovani Martín Díaz Gervasi

Journal of Health Psychology: An Interdisciplinary, International Journal

Published online on June 23, 2026

Abstract

Journal of Health Psychology, Ahead of Print.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted physical activity behaviors and worsened mental health worldwide. This study synthesized observational evidence on relationships between physical activity and depression, anxiety, and stress in adults during COVID-19. A ...