Meta-regression of moderators/correlates of effects of exercise on depression
| Moderator | Number of RCTs | β | 95% CI | P value | R²‡ | |
| Main analysis | ||||||
| Mean age exercise | 30 | 0.014 | 0.00 | 0.03 | 0.046 | 0.02 |
| Mean age control | 30 | 0.014 | 0.00 | 0.03 | 0.041 | 0.02 |
| Duration of trial (in weeks)* | 46 | 0.047 | 0.00 | 0.09 | 0.032 | 0.06 |
| Weekly frequency* | 46 | 0.004 | −0.17 | 0.18 | 0.959 | 0.00 |
| Minutes per session* | 42 | 0.008 | −0.01 | 0.02 | 0.268 | 0.00 |
| Sample size† | 41 | 0.002 | −0.00 | 0.01 | 0.160 | 0.00 |
| MDD (+dysthymia) only | ||||||
| Mean age exercise | 15 | 0.009 | −0.02 | 0.04 | 0.585 | 0.00 |
| Mean age control | 15 | 0.013 | −0.02 | 0.05 | 0.432 | 0.00 |
| Duration of trial (in weeks)* | 22 | 0.035 | −0.02 | 0.09 | 0.218 | 0.01 |
| Weekly frequency* | 22 | 0.023 | −0.20 | 0.25 | 0.844 | 0.00 |
| Minutes per session* | 20 | −0.005 | −0.03 | 0.02 | 0.746 | 0.03 |
| Sample size† | 20 | 0.008 | −0.00 | 0.02 | 0.090 | 0.04 |
*Data for a second intervention group within the same study were included for these analyses.
†Average sample size pre-post intervention.
‡R2 equal to R2 analogue.
RCT, randomised controlled trial.