Anxiety, Academic Performance, and Physical Activity in University Students: A Scoping Review

Anxiety disorders affect over 280 million people globally and are associated with cognitive impairment. University students show a particularly high susceptibility, with studies reporting prevalent daily anxiety in this population. Physical activity (PA) has demonstrated efficacy in reducing stress and anxiety, potentially enhancing cognitive function. This scoping review examines existing evidence on the relationship between PA, anxiety symptoms, and academic performance in university students while identifying research gaps. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines and Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, we analyzed observational and experimental studies from PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus. A descriptive–analytical approach assessed the effects of exercise on anxiety and academic outcomes. Out of 362 records screened, 27 met the inclusion criteria. Evidence suggests PA interventions across intensity levels may alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve academic performance. However, experimental studies specifically targeting this population remain scarce. Current findings indicate PA interventions may reduce anxiety and potentially enhance academic performance in university students. Further experimental research is required to establish causality and elucidate underlying mechanisms.