The Effect of Leisure-Time Exercise on Mental Health Among Adults: A Bibliometric Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Background: Adequate levels of leisure-time exercise (LTE) are associated with mental health benefits. Despite increased research in recent years through randomized controlled trials (RCTs), a systematic literature review summarizing these findings is lacking. Here, we examined publication trends, impact, and research gaps regarding LTE’s effects on mental health in the form of a bibliometric analysis. Methods: Five electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Ovid Medline, and the Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature) were searched from their inception until 20 November 2024. Citations were independently screened by two authors and included based on pre-determined eligibility criteria. Bibliometric analysis was conducted using SciVal and VOSviewer under five themes: (1) descriptive analysis, (2) network analysis, (3) thematic mapping, (4) co-citation and co-occurrence analysis, and (5) bibliometric coupling. Results: The systematic search identified 5792 citations, of which 78 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Only one study was conducted in a low- or middle-income country. Sixty-four percent of studies were published in quartile-one journals. Most studies were conducted in the United States, followed by Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. National collaborations yielded the highest citation rates, reflecting the influence of cultural and social norms on exercise and mental health. Research gaps were identified with regards to the validity of mental health measures, the paucity of data from low- and middle-income countries, and emerging research sources. Conclusions: This bibliometric analysis highlights the existing evidence on LTE’s impact on mental health and identifies areas for future research and policy. Trials exploring valid mental health outcomes, biomarkers such as mood and oxidative stress, and collaborative research are needed, particularly in underrepresented regions of the world.