Comparative Effectiveness of Multicomponent Exercise Interventions on Cognitive Function in People With Cognitive...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Gerontology
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Multicomponent exercise is a popular nonpharmacological approach for cognitive impairment.
• Variability in exercise combinations leads to inconsistent cognitive effects.
• Identifying optimal exercise combinations is crucial for cognitive health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare and rank the effectiveness of different multicomponent exercise interventions on cognition in individuals with cognitive impairment.
• To determine the most beneficial exercise combinations for enhancing cognitive function.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of multiple databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, SPORTDiscus, PsycInfo) up to April 2025.
• Inclusion of randomized controlled trials on multicomponent exercise interventions for cognitive impairment.
• Application of pairwise and network meta-analyses using random-effects models to assess outcomes like global cognition, executive function, and memory.

Main Results:

• Twenty-five trials with 2298 participants were analyzed.
• Multicomponent exercise showed significant benefits for global cognition (SMD=0.59) and executive function (SMD=0.28).
• Aerobic exercise plus balance & flexibility training demonstrated the highest efficacy for global cognition (SMD=1.07), while aerobic exercise plus resistance exercise was optimal for executive function (SMD=0.56).
• No significant effects were observed on memory.

Conclusions:

• Aerobic exercise combined with balance and flexibility training is the most effective intervention for improving global cognition.
• Aerobic exercise combined with resistance training shows optimal effects on executive function in individuals with cognitive impairment.
• Findings guide clinical professionals in designing targeted interventions for cognitive protection.