Effects of Concurrent Strength and Aerobic Exercise Training on Cognitive Health in Adults With Physiological or Neurocognitive Disorders: Systematic Review With Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Mingyang Zhang, Ruixiang Yan, Lijie Lou et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessed concurrent strength and aerobic exercise training (CET) and global cognition in middle-aged and older adults with physiological or neurocognitive disorders. Across 22 trials involving 3463 participants, CET was associated with better global cognitive function than control conditions (SMD = 0.34; 95% CI, 0.18 to 0.50; P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses also found significant improvements among participants with physiological disorders and those with neurocognitive disorders. The overall result showed substantial heterogeneity (I 2 = 67%), so the pooled estimate represents varied trial findings.
Key findings
- Across 22 RCTs and 3463 participants, CET improved global cognition versus controls (SMD = 0.34; 95% CI, 0.18 to 0.50; P < 0.001; I 2 = 67%).
- In physiological disorders, CET was associated with improved cognition (SMD = 0.29; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.49; P < 0.01).
- In neurocognitive disorders, CET was associated with improved cognition (SMD = 0.37; 95% CI, 0.14 to 0.55; P < 0.01).
- No publication bias was detected by Egger's test (P = 0.62).
Why it matters
Cognitive impairment occurs across a range of physiological and neurocognitive conditions. The pooled findings suggest that combining strength and aerobic exercise may support global cognition in these populations, extending the relevance of exercise beyond physical outcomes. However, the substantial heterogeneity indicates that effects varied across trials, and the results do not establish the benefit for every condition or individual.
What to keep in mind
The pooled result showed substantial heterogeneity (I 2 = 67%), indicating variation across trial findings.