The effects of taekwondo on depression symptoms and cognitive function: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Depression is among the most prevalent mental disorders globally and is frequently accompanied by impairments in attention, memory, and executive functioning that substantially diminish quality of life and social functioning. Taekwondo has increasingly been recognized as a holistic mind–body discipline that integrates physical training, attentional regulation, and ethical cultivation and may offer benefits for both psychological well-being and cognitive health. However, the existing evidence has not been systematically synthesized. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and synthesized relevant literature published through September 2025. Searches were conducted across major English- and Chinese-language Taekwondodatabases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Ovid Medline and CNKI), and 14 randomized controlled trials were ultimately included. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using the RoB 2.0 tool, and rated the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach. Random-effects models were applied to estimate standardized mean difference (SMD) and corresponding 95% CI. Heterogeneity was examined using Cochran's Q -test and the I 2 statistic. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to evaluate the moderating effects of intervention duration, weekly frequency, session length, and gender ratio. Publication bias was assessed using Begg and Egger tests, and sensitivity analyses were conducted. Results Fourteen randomized controlled trials involving 906 participants were included. Taekwondo training was associated with significant, moderate improvements in depressive symptoms (SMD = −0.54; 95% CI: −0.84 to −0.24; I 2 = 59.2%) and cognitive function (SMD = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.17–0.81; I 2 = 51.4%). Subgroup analyses indicated that interventions delivered ≥3 times per week, with total durations ≤12 weeks and session lengths ≤40 min, produced the greatest improvements in depressive symptoms. In contrast, interventions delivered ≥3 times per week, with sessions lasting 30–50 min and durations exceeding 16 weeks, were more effective in enhancing cognitive function. More consistent treatment effects were observed among female participants. Conclusion Taekwondo training appears to exert meaningful benefits for both depressive symptoms and cognitive function, supporting its potential as a comprehensive exercise-based intervention with psychological and cognitive health value.