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Physical activity on executive function in sedentary individuals: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

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  • Shudong Tian
  • Zhide Liang
  • Fanghui Qiu
  • Xianliang Wang

Abstract

Physical activity has been demonstrated to promote cognitive performance. However, the relationship between physical activity and executive function (EF) in sedentary individuals is not fully understood. This meta-analysis examined the impact of physical activity on EF in sedentary individuals and evaluated potential moderators of the relationship between physical activity and EF. In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, the electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched. Included studies had to report sedentary individuals randomized to either a physical activity group or a control group. Subgroup analyses of EF sub-domains, exercise prescription and age were conducted alongside the overall meta-analysis. Thirteen RCT studies were included, with a total of 752 participants. Results showed a small to moderate beneficial effect of physical activity on EF (SMD = 0.24, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.40). In subgroup analysis by EF sub-domains, physical activity enhanced inhibitory control (SMD = 0.38, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.63) and working memory (SMD = 0.22, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.49), but not cognitive flexibility (SMD = 0.11, 95% CI -0.18 to 0.41). Interventions with an intervention length > 12 weeks improved overall EF (SMD = 0.26, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.46), but intervention length ≤ 12 weeks did not (SMD = 0.20, 95% CI -0.08 to 0.47). Interventions with session time ≥ 45 minutes improved overall EF (SMD = 0.47, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.77), but session time

Suggested Citation

  • Shudong Tian & Zhide Liang & Fanghui Qiu & Xianliang Wang, 2023. "Physical activity on executive function in sedentary individuals: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 18(12), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0294251
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294251
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shudong Tian & Hong Mou & Fanghui Qiu, 2021. "Sustained Effects of High-Intensity Interval Exercise and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise on Inhibitory Control," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-12, March.
    2. Sebastian Ludyga & Markus Gerber & Uwe Pühse & Vera N. Looser & Keita Kamijo, 2020. "Systematic review and meta-analysis investigating moderators of long-term effects of exercise on cognition in healthy individuals," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 4(6), pages 603-612, June.
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