The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Mobile Phone Addiction in College Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract

This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between physical activity (PA) and mobile phone addiction (MPA) in college students. Five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane) were searched up to 20 January 2025. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to calculate combined Pearson correlation coefficients (r) with 95% confidence intervals. A total of 29 studies were included in the analysis. A significant negative correlation was found between PA and MPA (r = -0.349; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed a larger effect size in alleviating MPA after the COVID-19 pandemic (r = -0.340; <i>p</i> = 0.008). Additionally, PA demonstrated a large effect size in improving sleep quality (r = -0.365; <i>p</i> < 0.001) and reducing depression and anxiety (r = -0.356; <i>p</i> = 0.024). The effect of PA on self-control was moderate (r = -0.267; <i>p</i> < 0.001), as was its effect on procrastination (r = -0.330; <i>p</i> = 0.016). In contrast, the effect of PA on academic burnout was small (r = -0.141; <i>p</i> < 0.001). In conclusion, increasing PA may reduce MPA by alleviating depression and anxiety and enhancing self-control. PA's benefits for MPA extend to improving sleep quality and reducing academic burnout and procrastination.