Impact of exercise training on physical and cognitive function among older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Ryan S Falck, Jennifer C Davis, John R Best, Rachel A Crockett, Teresa Liu-Ambrose

Journal: Neurobiology of aging 2020;79():119-130

PMID: 31051329

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

Exercise plays a key role in healthy aging by promoting both physical and cognitive function. Physical function and cognitive function appear to be interrelated and may share common mechanisms. Thus, exercise-induced improvements in physical function and cognitive function may co-occur and be associated with each other. However, no systematic review has specifically assessed and compared the effects of exercise on both physical function and cognitive function in older adults, and the association between changes in both outcomes after exercise training. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis (N = 48 studies) among older adults (60+ years). These data suggest exercise training has a significant benefit for both physical function (g = 0.39; p < 0.001) and cognitive function (g = 0.24; p < 0.001). At the study level, there was a positive correlation between the size of the exercise-induced effect on physical function and on cognitive function (b = 0.41; p = 0.002). Our results indicate exercise improves both physical and cognitive function, reiterating the notion that exercise is a panacea for aging well.

Address: Aging, Mobility and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Center for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.; Faculty of Management, University of British Columbia - Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.; Aging, Mobility and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Center for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2019.03.007

Link outs

Free resources

Medical:

Subscription / membership required

Full Text Sources:

MeSH Terms: Aged, Cognition, Exercise, Female, Healthy Aging, Humans, Male, Physical Functional Performance