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Lifestyle interventions, primarily physical activity, produce a small reduction in depressive symptoms in informal caregivers of older adults

This meta-analysis of 21 randomized controlled trials (N=2,099) found that lifestyle interventions, mostly physical activity-based, led to a small but significant reduction in depressive symptoms (SMD = -0.34, 95% CI -0.47 to -0.20). However, no consistent effects were observed for physical activity, sleep quality, caregiving burden, stress, or self-rated health. Subgroup analyses indicated that only hybrid interventions combining in-person sessions with technology-supported monitoring showed significant reductions in depressive symptoms.

Last updated: Aug 19, 2026•0 RCTs•1 Meta-analyses•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score49/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis★★★☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. A systematic review and meta-analysis of lifestyle interventions for informal caregivers of older adults: Effects on behavioral change, mental health, and physical health.

observational

Leung DKY, Lu LX, Wang YH, Wang YL, Fung ASK, Jin KT · The Gerontologist (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: Not specified
Intervention: Lifestyle interventions, predominantly physical activity programs; some addressed sleep or nutrition, none targeted smoking or alcohol
Outcome: Depressive symptoms, physical activity, sleep quality, caregiving burden, stress, self-rated health
Effect Size: SMD = -0.34 (95% CI -0.47 to -0.20) for depressive symptoms
Population: Informal caregivers of older adults

Result:

PubMed: 42593223DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnag197

Mechanism Graph

Lifestyle interventions (e.g., physical activity) are delivered to caregivers
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Interventions may improve mood through physiological and psychosocial pathways
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Hybrid delivery (in-person plus technology) may enhance engagement and adherence
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Result: Small reduction in depressive symptoms

Limitations

  • ⚠Most studies were rated as high risk of bias
  • ⚠Evidence limited in scope, with few interventions targeting sleep or nutrition and none addressing smoking or alcohol
  • ⚠Pooled estimates derived mainly from physical activity interventions, limiting generalizability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the effect of lifestyle interventions on depressive symptoms in caregivers?▼

Lifestyle interventions, mainly physical activity, produce a small but statistically significant reduction in depressive symptoms (SMD = -0.34).

Do lifestyle interventions improve sleep quality in caregivers?▼

No consistent effects on sleep quality were found in this meta-analysis.

Which type of intervention was most effective?▼

Hybrid interventions combining in-person sessions with technology-supported monitoring showed significant reductions in depressive symptoms, whereas telephone-based or in-person-only formats did not.

What is the quality of the evidence?▼

The evidence is limited in scope and methodological rigor, with most studies rated as high risk of bias.

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References

  1. 1.Leung DKY, Lu LX, Wang YH, Wang YL, Fung ASK, Jin KT. "A systematic review and meta-analysis of lifestyle interventions for informal caregivers of older adults: Effects on behavioral change, mental health, and physical health.." The Gerontologist, 2026. PMID: 42593223 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnag197
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.