Association between sensor-based physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep, and mental health in university students: a systematic review

A systematic review of 13 studies, published between 2007 and 2025, synthesized evidence on the associations between sensor-measured physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep with mental health outcomes in university students. The review examined depression, anxiety, mood, and self-esteem, using data from EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science.

Why it matters

This research is strategically important because understanding the interrelationship between objective health behaviours (physical activity, sleep, sedentary time) and mental well-being in university populations can inform targeted intervention strategies. Addressing these factors can improve student health outcomes, academic performance, and overall institutional environment.

Key insights

• The systematic review focused on the relationship between sensor-measured physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep, and mental health in university students.
• Mental health outcomes assessed included depression, anxiety, mood, and self-esteem.
• Sensors such as accelerometers, actigraphy, and wearable devices were used to measure physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep.
• A total of 13 observational studies were included, published from 2007 to 2025, identified from major academic databases.
• Study quality was evaluated using the National Institutes of Health observational study quality assessment tool.

Source

Frontiers in Education — https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1862227