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Effects of Sport-Based Exercise Interventions on Executive Function in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Author

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  • 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, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 7591538, Chile)

  • Enrique Cerda-Vega

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

  • Rodrigo Campos-Jara

    (Hospital Mauricio Heyermann, Servicio de Psiquiatría, Angol 4650207, Chile)

  • Cristian Martínez-Salazar

    (Departamento de Educación Física, Deportes y Recreación, Pedagogía en Educación Física, Facultad de Educación y Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile)

  • Rodrigo Araneda

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

  • Daniela Ebner-Karestinos

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

  • Cristián Arellano-Roco

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

  • Christian Campos-Jara

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

Abstract

Exercise programs of moderate-to-vigorous intensity have been shown to improve the cognitive performance of older people. However, the specific effects of sports-based exercise programs on cognitive performance, particularly executive functions, remain unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to clarify the effects of sports-based exercise programs on executive functions in older adults using a systematic review and meta-analysis of the scientific literature. A systematic review was conducted between 1 March and 1 July 2022, to look for published scientific evidence that analyzed different sports programs that may have affected executive function in healthy older adults. Longitudinal studies, which assessed the effects of sports interventions on healthy older adults, were identified through a systematic search of the four principal electronic databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO. A total of nine studies with a total of 398 subjects met the inclusion criteria and were classified based on one or more of the following categories: working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility. The DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software to facilitate the analysis of the studies. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. In terms of working memory, a small but positive significant effect was noted for the intervention group compared to the control group (effect size (ES) = 0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.04–0.67; p = 0.029; I 2 = 36.7%); in terms of inhibition, the intervention had a small favoring but no significant effect compared to the control group (ES = 0.20, 95% CI = −0.42–0.84; p = 0.517; I 2 = 78.8%); and in terms of cognitive flexibility, the intervention had a small favoring but no significant effect compared to the control group (ES = 0.39, 95% CI = −0.11–0.89; p = 0.131; I 2 = 75.5%). Our findings suggest that healthy older adults should be encouraged to participate in sports to improve their working memory; however, more studies are required in this area to reach more robust conclusions. This systematic review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration number: CRD42022284788).

Suggested Citation

  • Falonn Contreras-Osorio & Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo & Enrique Cerda-Vega & Rodrigo Campos-Jara & Cristian Martínez-Salazar & Rodrigo Araneda & Daniela Ebner-Karestinos & Cristián Arellano-Roco & Christ, 2022. "Effects of Sport-Based Exercise Interventions on Executive Function in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-19, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:19:p:12573-:d:931634
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Falonn Contreras-Osorio & Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo & Enrique Cerda-Vega & Rodrigo Campos-Jara & Cristian Martínez-Salazar & Rafael E. Reigal & Verónica Morales-Sanchez & Sergio Araya Sierralta & Chris, 2022. "Effects of Physical Exercise on Executive Function in Adults with Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-10, November.

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