Exercise improves cognitive function

Using exercise and physical therapy for recovery from the effects of MS, and for maintaining physical function.
Post Reply
User avatar
NHE
Volunteer Moderator
Posts: 6221
Joined: Sat Nov 20, 2004 3:00 pm
Contact:

Exercise improves cognitive function

Post by NHE »

Study finds measurable boost for aging brains from exercise
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national ... e2dc41dae8
Standardized neuropsychological tests showed that, compared with non-exercisers, cognitive functioning improved in those who did aerobic or resistance exercise, regardless of cognitive abilities at the start of the study and including those with mild cognitive impairment. Moderate to vigorous physical exercise for 45 to 60 minutes, no matter how frequent, yielded the greatest benefit. Tai chi also improved cognitive function.
User avatar
NHE
Volunteer Moderator
Posts: 6221
Joined: Sat Nov 20, 2004 3:00 pm
Contact:

Re: Exercise improves cognitive function

Post by NHE »

Exercise interventions for cognitive function in adults older than 50: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Br J Sports Med, 2017; 0:1–9.
  • Background: Physical exercise is seen as a promising intervention to prevent or delay cognitive decline in individuals aged 50 years and older, yet the evidence from reviews is not conclusive.

    Objectives: To determine if physical exercise is effective in improving cognitive function in this population.

    Design: Systematic review with multilevel meta-analysis.

    Data sources: Electronic databases Medline (PubMed), EMBASE (Scopus), PsychINFO and CENTRAL (Cochrane) from inception to November 2016.

    Eligibility criteria: Randomised controlled trials of physical exercise interventions in community-dwelling adults older than 50 years, with an outcome measure of cognitive function.

    Results: The search returned 12,820 records, of which 39 studies were included in the systematic review. Analysis of 333 dependent effect sizes from 36 studies showed that physical exercise improved cognitive function (0.29; 95% CI 0.17 to 0.41; p<0.01). Interventions of aerobic exercise, resistance training, multicomponent training and tai chi, all had significant point estimates. When exercise prescription was examined, a duration of 45–60 min per session and at least moderate intensity, were associated with benefits to cognition. The results of the meta-analysis were consistent and independent of the cognitive domain tested or the cognitive status of the participants.

    Conclusions: Physical exercise improved cognitive function in the over 50s, regardless of the cognitive status of participants. To improve cognitive function, this meta-analysis provides clinicians with evidence to recommend that patients obtain both aerobic and resistance exercise of at least moderate intensity on as many days of the week as feasible, in line with current exercise guidelines.
Free full text.
Post Reply
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post

Return to “Exercise and Physical Therapy”