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Physical activity interventions for executive function in adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Shiqing Zhang1, Jianhang Sun1, Min Liu1
1Physical Education Institute, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
Psychology, Health & Medicine
|June 24, 2026
Summary
Physical activity significantly enhances executive functions in adolescents, particularly working memory. While improvements in inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility were less consistent, exercise remains a promising strategy for adolescent cognitive development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience and Cognitive Psychology
- Sports Science and Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Executive function (EF) is critical for adolescent development, encompassing working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility.
- Physical activity (PA) is increasingly recognized as a potential intervention to bolster EF in adolescents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the effects of exercise interventions on executive function in adolescents.
- To identify specific exercise parameters that may optimize EF improvements.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of PubMed and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to July 2024.
- Quality assessment using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.
- Meta-analysis of 12 RCTs using random-effects models to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs).
Main Results:
- Exercise interventions significantly improved working memory (SMD = 0.37, p = 0.03).
- Inhibitory control showed borderline significant improvement (SMD = -0.27, p = 0.05).
- No significant overall effect was found for cognitive flexibility (SMD = 0.50, p = 0.17).
- Subgroup analyses indicated potential benefits from single sessions (30-40 min) for working memory and cognitive flexibility, and longer interventions (>10 weeks) for working memory.
Conclusions:
- Exercise interventions show promise for improving specific executive functions in adolescents, with the strongest evidence supporting working memory enhancement.
- Findings for inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility require cautious interpretation due to borderline significance, non-significant overall effects, and heterogeneity.
- Further research is needed to clarify the optimal exercise parameters for different EF domains.
