Role of Physiotherapy in Mental Health Promotion Among Students: A Narrative Review

Abstract

The incidence of mental health issues among students has significantly risen in recent years, primarily due to academic pressure, lack of physical activity, and psychosocial difficulties.

Physiotherapy, which has traditionally been linked to physical rehabilitation, has gradually broadened its scope to encompass mental health enhancement through exercise-based and lifestyle-focused interventions.

This narrative review seeks to critically assess the existing evidence regarding the impact of physiotherapy on mental health outcomes for students.

A systematic literature search was performed across electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, concentrating on studies published from 2020 to 2025.

After applying specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, 32 pertinent studies were chosen and evaluated using a narrative synthesis method.

The results consistently indicate that physiotherapy interventions, especially structured exercise therapy, lead to significant decreases in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among students.

Aerobic exercises, resistance training, and mind-body techniques like yoga and controlled breathing were identified as effective in improving emotional well-being.

Moreover, physiotherapy interventions aimed at posture, ergonomics, and lifestyle changes were linked to enhancements in both physical comfort and mental health.

The positive effects of physiotherapy are facilitated through various mechanisms, including neurochemical alterations, hormonal adjustments, and increased self-efficacy.

The biopsychosocial model that underpins physiotherapy allows for a holistic approach to student health, addressing both physical and psychological factors.

The review underscores the necessity of incorporating physiotherapy services into student wellness initiatives and emphasizes its function as a cost-effective, non-invasive method for promoting mental health. Additional studies utilizing longitudinal and experimental designs are suggested to enhance the evidence foundation.