Effects of exercise interventions on body image: a meta-analysis

J Health Psychol. 2009 Sep;14(6):780-93. doi: 10.1177/1359105309338977.

Abstract

Our meta-analysis examined the impact of exercise interventions on body image; and participant, intervention, and design features associated with larger effects. We identified 57 interventions (with pre-and post-data for the exercise and control groups) examining the effects of exercise on body image. A small random effect indicated that exercise intervention conditions had improved body image compared to control conditions; and that participant (age), design (year of publication), and intervention (exercise frequency and specificity) features moderated the effect size. Research examining the mechanisms and the exercise dose-response required for body image change is needed.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Body Image*
  • Child
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Health Promotion*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Publication Bias
  • Young Adult