Methods: We searched eight databases to identify relevant articles from their inception to April 2024. Experimental studies that evaluate the effects of mind-body movement therapy on sleep disturbance and depression in older adults were included. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool version 2.0 was used to appraise included studies. The pairwise meta-analysis was performed through the software Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 3.0. Moreover, subgroup analysis was utilized to understand the effect size on each form of mind-body exercise and to determine the source of heterogeneity. Results: A total of 27 studies were eligible and synthesized. The mind-body exercise appears statistically significant in reducing sleep disturbance (SMD = −0.60, 95% CI: 0.76 ∼ 0.44) and depression (SMD = −0.56, 95% CI: 0.75 ∼ 0.36) among older adults. Each form of mind-body exercise, including pilates, yoga, qigong, and tai-chi, effectively decreases sleep disturbance and depression, but there were no significant differences in the effects between these practices. Conclusion The cumulative evidence concludes that older adults who participated in mind-body exercise programs showed potential improvements in sleep disturbance and depression. This finding may serve as evidence for professionals to use this approach as a non-pharmacological approach to help older adults in the community and long-term care facilities who are having sleep disturbance and depression. More clinical trials are needed for an in-depth meta-analysis that can rank and compare the efficacy of each mind-body exercise practice.

Methods: We searched eight databases to identify relevant articles from their inception to April 2024. Experimental studies that evaluate the effects of mind-body movement therapy on sleep disturbance and depression in older adults were included. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool version 2.0 was used to appraise included studies. The pairwise meta-analysis was performed through the software Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 3.0. Moreover, subgroup analysis was utilized to understand the effect size on each form of mind-body exercise and to determine the source of heterogeneity. Results: A total of 27 studies were eligible and synthesized. The mind-body exercise appears statistically significant in reducing sleep disturbance (SMD = −0.60, 95% CI: 0.76 ∼ 0.44) and depression (SMD = −0.56, 95% CI: 0.75 ∼ 0.36) among older adults. Each form of mind-body exercise, including pilates, yoga, qigong, and tai-chi, effectively decreases sleep disturbance and depression, but there were no significant differences in the effects between these practices. Conclusion The cumulative evidence concludes that older adults who participated in mind-body exercise programs showed potential improvements in sleep disturbance and depression. This finding may serve as evidence for professionals to use this approach as a non-pharmacological approach to help older adults in the community and long-term care facilities who are having sleep disturbance and depression. More clinical trials are needed for an in-depth meta-analysis that can rank and compare the efficacy of each mind-body exercise practice.

Methods: We searched eight databases to identify relevant articles from their inception to April 2024. Experimental studies that evaluate the effects of mind-body movement therapy on sleep disturbance and depression in older adults were included. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool version 2.0 was used to appraise included studies. The pairwise meta-analysis was performed through the software Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 3.0. Moreover, subgroup analysis was utilized to understand the effect size on each form of mind-body exercise and to determine the source of heterogeneity. Results: A total of 27 studies were eligible and synthesized. The mind-body exercise appears statistically significant in reducing sleep disturbance (SMD = −0.60, 95% CI: 0.76 ∼ 0.44) and depression (SMD = −0.56, 95% CI: 0.75 ∼ 0.36) among older adults. Each form of mind-body exercise, including pilates, yoga, qigong, and tai-chi, effectively decreases sleep disturbance and depression, but there were no significant differences in the effects between these practices. Conclusion The cumulative evidence concludes that older adults who participated in mind-body exercise programs showed potential improvements in sleep disturbance and depression. This finding may serve as evidence for professionals to use this approach as a non-pharmacological approach to help older adults in the community and long-term care facilities who are having sleep disturbance and depression. More clinical trials are needed for an in-depth meta-analysis that can rank and compare the efficacy of each mind-body exercise practice.