Effectiveness Of Non-pharmacological Interventions Research Articles

Effect of bright-light therapy on depression and anxiety of a patient with Alzheimer’s disease combined with sleep disorder: A case report

BACKGROUND Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common type of dementia due to neuronal impairment. In addition, psychobehavioral symptoms including severe sleep disorders, depression and anxiety can occur in most patients with AD. CASE SUMMARY We report a case of a 68-year-old woman with a 2-year history of AD. She initially presented with memory loss, progressively more severe, leading to a depressive and anxious status. The clinical symptoms also included severe sleep disturbances. Considering the age and health state of the patient, a non-pharmacological treatment of bright light therapy was used to improve her sleep quality. The treatment was provided for 30 minutes twice a day, during 8:30 am to 9:00 am and 16:30 pm to 17:00 pm. After 4 weeks of therapy, the sleep quality notably improved, with a marked decrease in daytime sleep, increase in nighttime sleep, and disappearance of nocturnal activity. The depression and anxiety were also suppressed significantly. CONCLUSION This case report suggested that bright light therapy can have a positive effect on sleep quality in elderly patients with AD and can be used as an effective and safe non-pharmacological treatment.

Consultative, Proactive Physical Therapy in Early Multiple Sclerosis.

Exercise training may be the most effective nonpharmacological symptomatic treatment for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Physical therapy (PT) can facilitate increased exercise through education, individualized exercise routines, goal setting, and supportive resources. However, traditional PT focuses on function restoration rather than proactive measures to prevent the advancement of morbidity. We present the application of a proactive physical therapy (PAPT) approach for individuals with MS. Neurologists referred patients to PT shortly after their MS diagnosis. Patients completed a shared decision-making-based evaluation of their current functional level, received education on exercise guidelines and goal-setting support, and established an exercise routine of an appropriate intensity. The patient and physical therapist communicated via email and telephone at 1 and 3 months. Assessments included physical function, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and self-reported exercise at 6 months. Three patients were referred directly to PAPT, and 1 transitioned from restorative PT. At 6 months, 3 patients reported regular aerobic, strengthening, and flexibility participation that met or exceeded established exercise recommendations. Two of 3 patients demonstrated clinically meaningful changes in functional outcome measures (eg, 10-meter Walk Test), a third patient remained stable in all functional outcome measures. Three patients reported significant improvements on the FSS at 6 months. The fourth patient did not complete the 6-month follow-up due to pregnancy complications but reported meeting guidelines at 3 months. A PAPT model of care is feasible and effective for patients who have been newly diagnosed with MS. With minimal PT visits, patients met established exercise guidelines and maintained or improved physical function.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in the Treatment of Sleep Disorders: Theoretical Foundations, Research Methods and Analysis of Effectiveness

Sleep disorders are not just a disruption of a person’s normal recovery process and a deterioration in life quality. It has been repeatedly demonstrated that insomnia is an independent factor that worsens the course of somatic diseases and leads to psycho-emotional disorders of varying severity. Research into cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia aims to provide answers to these questions. The most effective non-pharmacological treatments for insomnia are behavioural and psychotherapeutic methods that improve sleep and do not cause side effects or addiction. The chosen research topic is also relevant in the context of the increasing prevalence of insomnia due to the profound shocks of the Russian-Ukrainian war among internally displaced persons, various other stresses and interpersonal conflicts. All these and many other factors can cause acute insomnia. Patients with insomnia often have increased emotional reactivity, which can also lead to disorders. The findings of the research help understand the psychological factors involved in the processes of researching cognitive behavioural therapy for sleep disorders and can be used by practitioners who are faced with the need to treat patients with insomnia; it will help to understand traumatic experiences and emotional needs better. In conclusion, cognitive behavioural therapy is a practical, non-pharmacological approach to the treatment of sleep disorders, including insomnia. The study highlights the importance of addressing psychological factors, such as emotional reactivity and traumatic experiences, which are often associated with insomnia. As well as providing valuable information for practitioners, this study highlights the importance of individualised therapeutic interventions, particularly in high-stress environments such as those resulting from war and displacement. cuments in various Scopus indexed journals was examined bibliometrically, for the years 2014-2024.

Effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for pain reduction following chest tube removal: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the most effective non-pharmacological intervention for pain relief following chest tube removal in adult patients. MethodsWe performed a systematic review with network meta-analysis, searching electronic databases for randomized controlled trials up to January 20, 2024. Compared to control or placebo groups, the trials included adult patients receiving non-pharmacological interventions, such as cold therapy, relaxation exercises, music therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or aromatherapy. Data analysis utilized a random-effects model, reporting standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and treatment ranking was determined through surface under the cumulative ranking analysis and forest plots. ResultsSixteen studies enrolling 1,342 patients were included, with moderate to high heterogeneity. Cold therapy and relaxation exercises effectively reduced pain after chest tube removal, with SMD of −1.84 (95 % CI: −2.81 to −0.87) and −2.04 (95 % CI: −3.43 to −0.65), respectively, from baseline to immediately post-removal. From baseline to ten to twenty minutes after removal, both therapies continued to show significant pain reduction, with SMD of −1.96 (95 % CI: −3.14 to −0.77) for cold therapy and −2.01 (95 % CI: −3.75 to −0.28) for relaxation exercises. Sensitivity analysis supported these findings, and cold therapy’s efficacy appeared unaffected by obesity. However, publication bias, possibly due to small study samples, was noted. ConclusionsCold therapy and relaxation exercises proved most effective for reducing pain immediately and up to ten to twenty minutes after chest tube removal. Given their cost-effectiveness, lack of side effects, and ease of use, we recommend relaxation exercises as a practical alternative to cold therapy. Nonetheless, further studies are needed to comprehensively assess non-pharmacological options for managing chest tube removal pain. Implications for clinical practiceIncorporate cold therapy and relaxation exercises into post-chest tube removal pain management to improve patient comfort and minimize reliance on pharmacological interventions.

Culturally Tailored Lifestyle Modification Strategies for Hypertension Management: A Narrative Review.

Hypertension (HTN) is a significant global health challenge affecting billions of individuals worldwide. The prevalence of HTN varies considerably across the globe due to diverse factors, such as lifestyle influenced by culture, genetics, health care access, and socioeconomic conditions. Lifestyle modification has a substantial impact on blood pressure management; however, some cultural practices and behaviors affect recommended lifestyle modification strategies for HTN management. The purpose of this review was to explore lifestyle modification strategies for HTN management from a cultural perspective. Lifestyle modification, including physical activity, stress reduction, changes in dietary patterns (adopting a low-sodium diet and intake of fruit and vegetables), and weight management, provide an effective non-pharmacologic intervention for the management of hypertension. Individual's cultural practices have the potential to determine their diet, physical activity levels, knowledge, and perception about HTN, adherence to treatment and medications, and the use of local herbal preparations for HTN management. Culture focuses on individuals' belief, practices and how these beliefs and practices influence their lifestyle behaviors for HTN management. It is important to consider patients' cultural beliefs before recommending lifestyle behaviors for HTN management.

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation improves cognitive decline by alleviating intradialytic cerebral hypoxia in hemodialysis patients: A fNIRS pilot study

Cognitive impairment is common in hemodialysis patients, possibly due to inadequate cerebral blood flow during hemodialysis. No effective non-pharmacological interventions are available. This study investigates the impact of hemodialysis-induced cerebral hypoxia on cognitive decline in hemodialysis patients and the potential of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) as a non-pharmacological intervention. A randomized controlled trial with 36 participants showed that cognitive performance and cerebral oxygenation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) significantly declined in the sham group. In contrast, taVNS improved cognitive function by increasing cerebral oxygenation, with significant correlations to reaction times and MoCA scores. The study suggests that Hemodialysis-induced cerebral hypoxia may contribute to persistent cognitive decline in MHD patients. However, taVNS could be an effective intervention to prevent cognitive impairment in hemodialysis patients by alleviating cerebral hypoxia.

Towards a Non-pharmacological Intervention on Apathy in Korsakoff's Syndrome: A Systematic Narrative Review Across Different Clinical Conditions.

Apathy is a quantitative reduction of goal-directed activity, which can be observed in relation to behavior, cognition, emotions and social interaction. It is an invalidating behavioral symptom that is frequently present across different psychiatric conditions and neurocognitive disorders including Korsakoff's Syndrome (KS). In fact, apathy is one of the most severe behavioral symptoms of KS and has a major impact on the lives of patients and their relatives and other informal caregivers. However, guidelines for the treatment of apathy in KS are currently not available. This systematic narrative review provides a transdiagnostic overview of the effectiveness of different types of non-pharmacological interventions on apathy across different study populations that at symptom-level share characteristics with KS. This evidence may inform the development of an intervention targeting apathy in KS. The included study populations are dementia (due to Alzheimer's disease, or vascular dementia), Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia and traumatic brain injury. Through a stepped selection approach and with regard to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, 22 systematic reviews and 32 empirical articles on the non-pharmacological treatment of apathy were identified. The results show a variety of effective non-pharmacological interventions on apathy. In conditions with severe cognitive impairments, successful interventions did not rely on intrinsic motivation, self-monitoring, or illness insight of the patients, but depend on external stimulation and behavioral activation. Since apathy is a multidimensional construct, identification of the extent and type of apathetic behavior before starting an intervention is highly recommended. Furthermore, it is important to adjust the treatment to the patients' personal interests and needs and embedded in daily care. CRD42022298464 (PROSPERO).

Effectivess of non-pharmacological interventions on physical activity and sedentary behaviour among patients with coronary heart disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Adequate physical activity has been firmly established as a protective factor against recurrent CHD events. However, emerging evidence highlights sedentary behaviour as an independent contributor to cardiovascular health. It is thereby imperative to identify effective strategies that promote adequate physical activity while currently reducing sedentary behaviour among patients with CHD. Purpose This systematic review aims to identify the best available evidence on the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) on promoting physical activity and/or sedentary behaviours among patients with CHD. Methods This review included randomized controlled trials that examine the effects of NPIs on physical activities or sedentary behaviours or both among patients with CHD. Systematic search was conducted in eight electronic databases (Scopus, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CENTRAL, CNKI and WanFang) from inception to December 2023. The version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials was used to assess the risk of bias of included studies. Meta-analysis was performed by using the Review Manager 5.4, when deem appropriate. A narrative summary was conducted to address studies that could not be included in the meta-analysis. Results A total of 24 articles of 22 studies, involving 5454 patients with CHD were included. The interventions were categorised as motivational interventions (k=6) and behavioural change technique-based interventions (k=18). The findings of this review involved pooling the results from 18 studies through meta-analysis, while a narrative summary was conducted for the remaining 4 studies. Results showed that both motivational interventions (SMD 0.34, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.45, P= 0.02, I2= 48%) and behavioural change techniques-based interventions (SMD 0.23, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.37, P= 0.0008, I2= 0%) increased the total physical activity time. Additionally, motivational interventions improve the moderate-to-vigorous physical activity time (SMD 0.42, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.65, P= 0.0004, I2= 41%). However, no significant improvement on sedentary behaviours was found from the meta-analysis. Conclusions The findings of this review suggests that motivational interventions have the potential effects to enhance total physical activity time and increase the duration of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Further studies on effective intervention that improve the physical activity and concurrently reduce sedentary behaviour are warranted for CHD population.Table 1.Charateristics of studiesFigure 1.Forest plot of outcomes

Vascular fibrosis and extracellular matrix remodelling in post-COVID 19 conditions

Causal associations between viral infections and acute myocardial injury are not fully understood, with mechanisms potentially involving direct cardiovascular involvement or systemic inflammation. This review explores plausible mechanisms of vascular fibrosis in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome, focusing on extracellular matrix remodelling. Despite global attention, significant mechanistic or translational breakthroughs in the management of post-viral syndromes remain limited. No effective pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions are currently available for patients experiencing persistent symptoms following COVID-19 infection. The substantial expansion of scientific knowledge resulting from collaborative efforts by medical experts, scientists, and government organisations in undertaking COVID-19 research could inform treatment strategies for other post-viral syndromes and respiratory illnesses. There is a critical need for clinical trials to evaluate potential therapeutic candidates, providing evidence to guide treatment decisions for post-COVID-19 syndromes.

Effect of Neurological Music Therapy Among Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by cognitive decline that exceeds normal age-related changes but does not significantly impair daily life. This condition is a precursor to dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, and affects emotional well-being and quality of life.Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of neurological music therapy (MMT) on cognitive function, emotional well-being, and quality of life in older adults with MCI.Methods: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted over six weeks with 20 participants aged 60-80 years. Participants were randomly assigned to the MMT group, which received exercise therapy with music and the Naruko clapper, or the STT group, which received standard exercise guided by counts. The MoCA and SF-36 were used to assess outcomes. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, employing paired and independent t-tests with a significance level of p < 0.05.Results: Post-intervention, the MMT group showed a significant improvement in MoCA scores (23.33 ± 2.06) compared to the STT group (18.75 ± 2.61, p < 0.001). SF-36 scores also significantly increased in the MMT group (82.62 ± 6.16) versus the STT group (47.32 ± 11.01, p < 0.001).Conclusion: Neurological music therapy significantly enhanced cognitive and physical health outcomes in older adults with MCI, suggesting its potential as an effective non-pharmacological intervention.

Non-pharmacological interventions to treat mood disturbances post-stroke: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Background Stroke survivors face high rates of depression, anxiety, and pseudobulbar affect. Clinicians report lack of clarity on effective non-pharmacological interventions due to uncertainty about treatment options as barriers to evidence-based treatment. No systematic review has investigated the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions on the conditions of depression, anxiety, and pseudo-bulbar affect. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions on the outcomes of depression, anxiety, and pseudobulbar affect in post-stroke individuals. Methods Following the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we searched databases Medline, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and PsycINFO for randomized controlled trials in English, within 2012–2023, evaluating the effect of a non-pharmacological intervention on depression, anxiety, and/or pseudobulbar affect. Two researchers screened titles, abstracts, and full texts. One researcher extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Data were synthesized narratively. Results Forty-two studies were included. Intervention types included education (n = 9), psychological therapy (n = 8), and physical exercise (n = 8). Intervention types reporting positive outcomes for depression were psychological therapy (n = 6), physical exercise (n = 3) and robot-assisted therapy (n = 3). Intervention types effective in improving anxiety were physical exercise (n = 2), psychological therapy (n = 3) and multi-modal therapy approaches (n = 2). No studies explored the impact on pseudobulbar affect. Conclusion Non-pharmacological interventions may be effective in improving mood in stroke survivors. Robot-assisted therapy and physical exercise were seen to improve multiple outcome measures. Patient education should be delivered alongside rehabilitation and directed to both stroke-survivor and caregiver.

Research progress of music intervention in nursing of premature infants in neonatal intensive care unit

BACKGROUND: With the continuous advancement of medical technology, the survival rate of preterm infants is gradually improving, However, due to the underdeveloped function of various organs and systems, preterm infants are often exposed to light, noise, medical as well as nursing operations and other stimuli during their hospitalization in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU); it is highly susceptible to a number of problems, such as pain, unstable vital signs, growth retardation, and sleep disruption. OBJECTIVE: This article reviews the research progress of music intervention in nursing of premature infants in NICU with both traditional and conventional care. METHODS: This article reviews the research background, methodology/design, and measurement/application effects of music interventions, including Chinese and Western traditional music, in the care of preterm infants in NICU. All scholarly literature retrieved from MEDLINE\PubMed, Science Citation Index Expanded, Google scholar, CNKI scholar, Scopus and PubsHub. RESULTS: As a simple and effective non-pharmacological intervention, music intervention can effectively alleviate neonatal surgical pain, increase heart rate and oxygen saturation, promote sleep, growth and development, and improve neurological development. CONCLUSIONS: This review provide theoretical references for clinical practice.

Beyond Pharmacotherapy: Investigating the Role of Classical Music in Preoperative Anxiety Management for Cesarean Sections

Preoperative anxiety is a prevalent concern among women undergoing cesarean sections (C-sections), potentially impacting maternal and neonatal outcomes. While pharmacotherapy is commonly used to manage anxiety, non-pharmacological interventions like music therapy offer a promising alternative or adjunct. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of classical music in reducing preoperative anxiety levels in women scheduled for C-sections. A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 100 women scheduled for elective C-sections. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (classical music listening) or the control group (standard care). Anxiety levels were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before and after the intervention. Physiological parameters such as heart rate and blood pressure were also monitored. The intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in both state and trait anxiety scores compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the intervention group exhibited lower heart rate and blood pressure levels post-intervention. In conclusion, classical music listening can be an effective non-pharmacological intervention for reducing preoperative anxiety in women undergoing C-sections. The findings suggest that integrating music therapy into standard preoperative care may enhance patient well-being and contribute to improved surgical outcomes.

Effectiveness Of Non-Pharmacological Treatments In Decreasing Tourette Syndrome Symptoms

Effectiveness Of Non-Pharmacological Treatments In Decreasing Tourette Syndrome Symptoms

The Effect of Running Training on Improving Classroom Attention in Children with ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that adversely affect children’s academic performance and behavior in classroom settings. Current ADHD management strategies, primarily pharmacological and behavioral, have limitations, prompting the exploration of alternative interventions. This study investigates the effects of a 12-week structured running training program on improving classroom attention in children with ADHD. Thirty children aged 7 to 12 years participated in a single-group intervention study, with attention, behavior, mood, and physical fitness assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up. Results showed significant improvements in classroom attention, as evidenced by reduced scores on the Conners’ Teacher Rating Scale-Revised (CTRS-R) and fewer errors on the Continuous Performance Test (CPT). Secondary outcomes indicated notable reductions in hyperactive-impulsive behaviors, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, as well as enhanced physical fitness. These findings suggest that structured running programs may be an effective non-pharmacological intervention for enhancing attention and behavior in children with ADHD. Further research should explore the long-term effects and underlying mechanisms of such interventions and investigate their integration into comprehensive ADHD management plans.

Preoperative anxiety management for elderly patients undergoing cataract surgery: An integrative review

BackgroundPreoperative anxiety in elderly cataract surgery patients presents challenges, demanding effective non-pharmacological interventions to ensure patient safety. MethodA comprehensive review was conducted on PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase from 2013 to 2023. Twelve experimental studies were analyzed. Interventions such as music therapy, education videos, hand massages, and non-fasting protocols were evaluated, with anxiety measured using various scales and physiological indicators. ResultOverall, the findings highlight the efficacy of these interventions in managing preoperative anxiety among elderly cataract surgery patients. Seven studies measured physiological indicators such as blood pressure or heart rate alongside anxiety scales, with four studies showing significant reductions of those indicators alongside anxiety reduction. ConclusionThese non-pharmacological interventions offer an effective alternative to pharmacological approaches, enhancing patient safety and potentially reducing healthcare costs related to polypharmacy. The international scope of the studies suggests broad applicability across diverse cultural contexts, advocating for their inclusion in hospital protocols.

Systematic review protocol to determine the most effective pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for the management of acute methamphetamine toxicity

IntroductionThis study describes the protocol for a systematic review. The systematic review will address experiences of managing methamphetamine intoxication, specifically violence and agitation related to intoxication, in the emergency department...

Exploring Traditional Antipyretic Practices: Shallot Poultice (Allium cepa L.) for Fever Management in Infants

Fever is a common symptom in infants, often causing distress to both the child and caregivers. While pharmacological interventions like acetaminophen are widely used, concerns about potential side effects and the growing interest in natural remedies have led to a resurgence in exploring traditional practices. The use of shallot poultice for fever management has been documented in various cultures, but its efficacy and safety require rigorous scientific evaluation. This study aimed to investigate the antipyretic effect of shallot poultice in infants and contribute to evidence-based decision-making in pediatric fever management. A quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest control group design was conducted. Infants aged 0-12 months presenting with fever (≥37.5°C) at a primary healthcare center were recruited. Eligible infants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (receiving shallot poultice application) or the control group (receiving standard care). The primary outcome was the change in body temperature after 30 minutes of intervention. Secondary outcomes included parental satisfaction and adverse events. A total of 60 infants were enrolled (30 per group). The intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in body temperature compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Parental satisfaction was high in both groups, with no significant difference observed. No adverse events related to the shallot poultice were reported. Shallot poultice appears to be a safe and effective non-pharmacological intervention for reducing fever in infants. These findings support the potential integration of this traditional practice into holistic fever management strategies. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and long-term effects.

Associations between Japanese calligraphy practice and sleep quality in community-dwelling older adults: A cross-sectional Study

BackgroundSleep disturbances, such as insomnia, are common among the elderly population and have been associated with negative health outcomes. Japanese calligraphy is a traditional art practice previously associated with various health benefits, such as stress reduction and improved cognitive function; however, its association with sleep quality has not been fully explored. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 21,207 subjects with basic attributes, health status, depressive symptoms, artistic practices, and sleep habits. Individuals who satisfied the chronic insomnia criteria were categorized into the following subtypes: sleep onset latency (SOL) insomnia, early morning awakening (EMA) insomnia, and wake after sleep offset (WASF) insomnia. The t-test, chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis were used to determine the association between Japanese calligraphy practice and sleep quality. ResultsIn this study, 17,597 elderly Japanese individuals were included, among whom 13.7 % practiced Japanese calligraphy. Regarding sleep characteristics, 32.0 % had chronic insomnia, 13.1 % had SOL insomnia, 9.1 % had EMA insomnia, and 14.2 % had WASF insomnia. Japanese calligraphy practice was associated with lower rates of chronic insomnia (odds ratio [OR] = 0.85, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 0.76–0.95), including SOL insomnia (OR = 0.84, 95 % CI = 0.71–0.98), and EMA insomnia (OR = 0.80, 95 % CI = 0.66–0.97) but had no significant association with WASF insomnia. ConclusionsThis study suggests that Japanese calligraphy practice is associated with lower odds of insomnia, particularly SOL and EMA insomnia. Calligraphy may be an effective nonpharmacological intervention for insomnia and poor sleep quality among elderly Japanese individuals.

Effectiveness of meditation for fatigue management: Insight from a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveThis systematic review and meta-analysis revealed the effectiveness of meditation in addressing fatigue, given its widespread use as a remedy for sleep disturbances and fatigue. MethodWe analyzed 29 randomized controlled trials from MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library, spanning from December 31, 2022. We conducted two metaanalyses using mean difference (MD) with normalized data and standardized mean difference (SMD) with original data. ResultsThese trials included various populations, with baseline fatigue severity observed at 52.2 ± 16.0 points among 4104 participants. After an average meditation duration of 9.6 ± 4.7 weeks, fatigue scores decreased significantly by 6.4 points of MD [95% CI, 4.3–8.5] compared to controls. The most significant reduction occurred in the sub-healthy group (MD 8.2 [95% CI, 2.7 to 13.8]), followed by the general group (MD 6.9 [95% CI, 0.4 to 13.4]), and the disease group (MD 5.7 [95% CI, 3.4 to 8.0]). Notably, meditation-based anti-fatigue effects were particularly pronounced for mental fatigue (MD 10.0 [95% CI, 4.3 to 15.6]), especially with expert guidance and supplementary homework. ConclusionThese findings align with meta-analysis results using standardized mean difference (SMD), providing evidence for meditation as an effective nonpharmacological intervention for fatigue management, while also informing effective meditation approaches.Registration number: CRD42023395551 in PROSPERO.