The effectiveness of physical activity for improving cognition, memory and executive function: an umbrella review
Abstract Overview
Background: The physical health benefits of physical activity are widely acknowledged. Recently, its mental and cognitive health benefits have been increasingly recognised.
Purpose: To synthesise experimental evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses examining the impact of physical activity interventions on cognition, memory, and executive function in all age and health population groups, thus offering a robust foundation for recommendations on physical activity for cognitive health.
Methods: Adhering to PRISMA and AMSTAR2 recommendations, we conducted a comprehensive search across 11 databases, selecting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs that investigated the effects of physical activity on cognitive outcomes (PROSPERO ID: CRD42023468991). Data synthesis involved pooled effect sizes using random effects models, with subgroup analyses based on participant characteristics (age and health population) and intervention details (e.g. modality, duration, intensity).
Results: The review included 133 systematic reviews, encompassing 2,724 unique RCTs with 258,279 participants. Physical activity significantly improved cognition (SMD 0.42), memory (SMD 0.23), and executive function (SMD 0.28). Subgroup analyses found no differences based on age group or population, but greater benefits for specific physical activity types like exergaming for cognition and mind-body exercises for memory, particularly with interventions of 1-3 months duration.
Conclusions: This extensive umbrella review substantiates physical activity’s beneficial impact on cognitive health, underscoring its importance as a universally accessible and effective intervention for enhancing cognitive functions, including memory and executive function, across diverse populations and age groups.
Practical implications: The results highlighted that all forms of physical activity are beneficial for enhancing cognitive function in both the general and clinical populations. Thus, people should be encouraged to engage in physical activity that meets their individual needs and preferences and maximises their enjoyment and adherence.
Funding: No specific funding was received for this project.
Additional Authors
Name: Ben Singh
Affiliation: University of South Australia
Presenting Author: no
Name: Hunter Bennett
Affiliation: University of South Australia
Presenting Author: no
Name: Aaron Miatke
Affiliation: University of South Australia
Presenting Author: no
Name: Dot Dumuid
Affiliation: University of South Australia
Presenting Author: no
Name: Rachel Curtis
Affiliation: University of South Australia
Presenting Author: no
Name: Ty Ferguson
Affiliation: University of South Australia
Presenting Author: no
Name: Jacinta Brinsley
Affiliation: University of South Australia
Presenting Author: no
Name: Kimberley Szeto
Affiliation: University of South Australia
Presenting Author: no
Name: Emily Eglitis
Affiliation: University of South Australia
Presenting Author: no
Name: Catherine Simpson
Affiliation: University of South Australia
Presenting Author: no
Name: Jasmine Petersen
Affiliation: Flinders University
Presenting Author: no
Name: Claire Gough
Affiliation: Flinders University
Presenting Author: no
Name: Christina Ekegren
Affiliation: Monash University
Presenting Author: no
Name: Kirk Erickson
Affiliation: University of Pittsburgh Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences
Presenting Author: no
Name: Ashleigh Smith
Affiliation: University of South Australia
Presenting Author: no
Information
Study Type: Intervention
Subtheme: Co-benefits/ non-health benefits/ SDGs
Population Group: Not Applicable
Setting: Whole System
Submitting Author
Carol Maher
Professor
University of South Australia
Australia
