Proof of the Exercise Brain. Improvement Effects on Cognition, Memory, and Executive Function

📖 Literature Information and Abstract Translation

Effectiveness of exercise for improving cognition, memory and executive function: a systematic umbrella review and meta-meta-analysis

[Background/Objective] Evaluation of systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the effects of exercise on general cognition, memory, and executive function across all age groups and populations.

[Methods] Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of exercise on general cognition, memory, and executive function were included. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed in duplicate. The A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR-2) was used for risk of bias assessment. Effect sizes were pooled using a random-effects model and reported as standardized mean differences (SMD). Subgroup analyses were conducted for participant characteristics and intervention characteristics. General cognition, memory, and executive function. Data sources: CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE via OVID, Emcare, ProQuest Central, ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health Source, PsycINFO, Scopus, Sport Discus, and Web of Science.

[Results] 133 systematic reviews (2,724 RCTs, 258,279 participants) were included.

Exercise significantly improved general cognitive function (SMD=0.42), memory (SMD=0.26), and executive function (SMD=0.24). The improvements in memory and executive function due to exercise were greater in children and adolescents than in adults and older adults. Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder had greater improvements in executive function than other populations. Effects were generally greater in low- and moderate-intensity interventions. Short-term (1–3 months) interventions and exergaming (video games that require physical movement) produced the greatest effects on general cognition and memory. Results remained statistically significant after excluding reviews rated as low or critically low quality.

[Conclusion] These results provide strong evidence that even mild exercise is beneficial for general cognition, memory, and executive function, reinforcing exercise as an essential and comprehensive recommendation for optimizing cognitive function.

🌱 So What?: What did I find interesting?

Are you familiar with the term "Exercise Brain"?
Broadly speaking, the "Exercise Brain" is the idea that exercise activates the brain and improves cognitive function and concentration. This is a theme gaining attention in recent brain science and psychology, famously popularized by the book "The Real Happy Pill" (originally titled "Hjärnstark" or "Exercise Brain") by Swedish psychiatrist Anders Hansen (published in 2016).

This literature review conducted a massive meta-meta-analysis of 133 systematic reviews (2,724 RCTs, 258,279 participants) and proved that the effects of exercise on general cognitive function, memory, and executive function are indeed real.
There is a term called EIM (Exercise is Medicine).
Exercise is medicine.
It seems that exercise can also serve as medicine against dementia and general brain aging.

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