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Effects of Physical Exercise on Executive Function in Adults with Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Falonn Contreras-Osorio

    (Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 7591538, Chile)

  • Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo

    (Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, School of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 7591538, Chile)

  • Enrique Cerda-Vega

    (Pedagogy in Physical Education and Health Career, Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile)

  • Rodrigo Campos-Jara

    (Psychiatry Department, Hospital Mauricio Heyermann, Angol 4650207, Chile)

  • Cristian Martínez-Salazar

    (Department of Physical Education, Sports, and Recreation, Pedagogy in Physical Education, School of Education and Social Sciences and Humanities, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile)

  • Rafael E. Reigal

    (Department of Social Psychology, Social Anthropology, Social Work and Social Services, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain)

  • Antonio Hernández-Mendo

    (Department of Social Psychology, Social Anthropology, Social Work and Social Services, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain)

  • Lara Carneiro

    (Physical Education Department, College of Education, United Arab Emirates University, Abu Dhabi 112612, United Arab Emirates
    Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, CIDESD, University of Maia, ISMAI, 4475-690 Maia, Portugal)

  • Christian Campos-Jara

    (Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 7591538, Chile)

Abstract

Executive function is among the most affected cognitive dimensions in depression. Physical exercise may improve executive function (e.g., working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility), although this is without consensus on adults with depression. Through this systematic review, we aim to elucidate the effects of physical exercise programs on executive functions in adults with depression. The literature search was performed in four relevant electronic databases, combining keywords and medical subject headings, from inception until September 2022. Controlled interventions, involving adults with depression, and reporting working memory, inhibition, and/or cognitive flexibility pre-post-intervention data, were considered includable. Results from meta-analyses included effect size (ES, i.e., Hedges’ g) values reported with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs), with p set at ≤0.05. Seven studies were included, including 202 men and 457 women (age: 21.0–51.2 years; mild–moderate depression). For working memory, a small favoring effect was observed in the experimental groups compared with controls (ES = 0.33, 95%CI = 0.04–0.61; p = 0.026; I 2 = 64.9%). For inhibition, physical exercise had a small favoring non-significant effect compared with controls (ES = 0.28, 95%CI = −0.17–0.74; p = 0.222; I 2 = 72.4%). Compared with the control group, physical exercise had a trivial effect on cognitive flexibility (ES = 0.09, 95%CI = −0.21–0.39; p = 0.554; I 2 = 68.4%). In conclusion, physical exercise interventions may improve working memory behavioral measures in adults with mild-to-moderate depression when compared with active and passive control conditions. However, the reduced number of available high-quality studies precludes more lucid conclusions.

Suggested Citation

  • Falonn Contreras-Osorio & Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo & Enrique Cerda-Vega & Rodrigo Campos-Jara & Cristian Martínez-Salazar & Rafael E. Reigal & Antonio Hernández-Mendo & Lara Carneiro & Christian Campo, 2022. "Effects of Physical Exercise on Executive Function in Adults with Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-22, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:22:p:15270-:d:977183
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kerri Smith, 2014. "Mental health: A world of depression," Nature, Nature, vol. 515(7526), pages 180-181, November.
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