Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Author Spotlight: A Novel Setup to Conduct Naturalistic Laboratory Experiments with Real Human Actors in Scenarios
Published on: August 4, 2023
Physical exercise, IGF-1 and cognition A systematic review of experimental studies in the elderly
Angelica Miki Stein1, Thays Martins Vital Silva1,2, Flávia Gomes de Melo Coelho1,3
1Institute of Biosciences, UNESP (Universidade Estadual Paulista) Physical Activity and Aging Lab (LAFE), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil.
Abstract:
One of hypothetical mechanisms related to cognition is exercise-induced IGF-1.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of exercise on IGF-1 levels and cognition in the elderly.
Methods:
The article searches were conducted on Pubmed, Web of Science, PsycINFO and Scielo databases and reviewed according to PRISMA guidelines. The inclusion criteria were: [1] original articles published up to 2017; [2] samples including elderly; [3] protocols including physical exercise; [4] longitudinal studies having exercise as main outcome; [5] assessment of IGF-1; [6] cognition assessment.
Results:
Seven studies were included in this review. Three of the studies showed an exercise-induced increase in IGF-1; three found stable IGF-1 levels and one found a reduction in IGF-1; with and without improvement in cognition.
Conclusion:
Disparities in the type of physical exercise, protocols and samples under different conditions hinder the establishment of a consensus on IGF-1, cognition and physical exercise.
Related Concept Videos
Piaget's Stage 1 of Cognitive Development
Exploration...
Cognitive Dissonance
Review and Preview
Percentiles are a type of fractile that partition data into...
Review and Preview
Random and Systematic Errors
Systematic Sampling Method
Systematic sampling is one of the simplest methods...

