Impact of different types of physical exercise on sleep quality in older population with insomnia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Abstract

Objective: To measure the impact of each type of exercise on sleep quality and identify the exercise that enhances sleep quality the most.

Study selection: Eligible randomised controlled trials that compare physical exercise to routine activities, usual care, non-physical activity, or health education to measure the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.

Data source: Studies retrieved from Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, ClinicalTrial.gov and ThaiJo from the database's inception to October 2022.

Data extraction and synthesis: Two reviewers independently identified studies, collected data and assessed bias. In the absence of heterogeneity, a fixed effect model was used for pairwise meta-analysis. Alternatively, a random effect model was used. A two-stage network meta-analysis used the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) to compare exercise efficacy.

Main outcome: Global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (GPSQI) and subdomain score.

Results: This review comprised 2170 people from 25 trials. Direct meta-analysis revealed significant improvement in GPSQI with combined exercise (unstandardised mean difference (USMD) -2.35, 95% CI-3.13 to -1.57, p<0.001, I²=69.13%). GPSQI decreased considerably with aerobic activity (USMD -4.36, 95% CI -7.86 to -0.86, p=0.01, I²=97.83%). For the network meta-analysis, strengthening, aerobic and combination exercise significantly lowered GPSQI (USMD-5.75, -3.76 and -2.54, respectively). Strength training improved GPSQI scores most effectively (SUCRA 94.6%).

Conclusion: Exercise that strengthens muscles, rather than aerobic or combination exercises, is the most effective way to enhance sleep quality.

Keywords: Family Medicine; Geriatrics; Integrative Medicine; Physical Activity; Primary Health Care.