Does exercise improve myopia in children?
Investigators examined the potential modifying effects of physical activity on myopia in pediatric patients.
In a systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMC Pediatrics, the investigators used data from the CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed and Web of Science databases to assess how exercise interventions may impact myopia outcomes in nearly 10,000 pediatric participants across 31 randomized controlled trials.
The investigators found that those who partook in the exercise interventions experienced better dynamic and static visual acuity as well as refractive error. They also reported reduced axial length growth. The investigators noted that the greatest benefits were observed in participants who followed exercise interventions based in both indoor and outdoor settings. For instance, individuals who took part in physical and mental health exercises and ball sports at least once per week for 120 minutes were more likely to experience improvements in static visual acuity.
The findings demonstrated the potential inhibitory effects of physical activity as adjunctive therapy on axial elongation and myopia progression among children.
Read more: BMC Pediatrics
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