[2026-03-20] Exercise Interventions for Musculoskeletal and Mental Health: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Pensiri Thanhai; Ruchakron Kongmant; Tharinthorn Namwan; Karn  Ruangmontri; Niruwan Turnbull

doi:10.33165/rmj.2027.e276961

Authors

Pensiri Thanhai Department of Strategy and Planning, Sirindhorn College of Public Health Khon Kaen, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences, Praboromarajchanok Institute, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand
Ruchakron Kongmant Public Health and Environmental Policy in Southeast Asia Research Cluster, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, Thailand
Tharinthorn Namwan Department of Educational Administration, Faculty of Education, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, Thailand
Karn Ruangmontri Department of Educational Administration, Faculty of Education, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, Thailand
Niruwan Turnbull Public Health and Environmental Policy in Southeast Asia Research Cluster, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, Thailand / Faculty of Public Health, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, Thailand https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7698-3352

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33165/rmj.2027.e276961

Keywords:

Exercise interventions, Musculoskeletal health, Mental health, Randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Background: Exercise interventions are increasingly recognized as important strategies for improving musculoskeletal and mental health outcomes. Various forms of exercise, including resistance training, mind-body practices, and digitally delivered exercise programs, have been investigated in recent years; however, the overall evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) remains fragmented.

Objectives: To examine the effects of resistance, mind-body, and digitally delivered exercise interventions on musculoskeletal and mental health outcomes.

Methods: A systematic review of RCTs was conducted following established methodological guidelines. RCTs published between January 2020 and December 2023 were identified through PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. Eligible studies evaluated structured exercise interventions targeting musculoskeletal or mental health outcomes. Data extraction was performed systematically. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias Tool, covering domains including random sequence generation, allocation concealment, blinding, incomplete outcome data, and selective reporting. Due to substantial heterogeneity in interventions, populations, and outcome measures, a narrative synthesis was undertaken to summarize the findings and provide a comprehensive overview of the results across the studies included in the review.

Results: The included studies demonstrated that exercise interventions were associated with improvements in several outcomes, including reductions in musculoskeletal pain and occupational fatigue, improvements in sleep quality and psychological well-being, and enhanced physical function among older and prefrail individuals. Resistance training and mind-body exercise showed consistent benefits, while technology-assisted and digitally delivered exercise programs also demonstrated promising results. However, methodological heterogeneity, varying risk of bias, and relatively short follow-up periods across studies limit the strength of the conclusions.

Conclusions: Exercise interventions improve musculoskeletal and mental health outcomes; however, more high-quality RCTs with standardized measures and long-term follow-up are needed to strengthen evidence and implementation.

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