- There are multiple reports that exercise has a positive effect on cognitive performance.
- The evidence score is 59 (moderate reliability) for cognitive performance and 36 (limited reliability) for memory.
- This content is relevant to a wide range of ages, from older adults to healthy adults.
Exercise and cognitive function refer to physical activity and brain functions such as memory and information processing.
These are treated as indicators of physical and brain function in a variety of contexts.
Studies have reported that exercise and cognitive function are related, with exercise having a positive effect on cognitive performance (2 studies, reliability is moderate).
Cognitive performance is an indicator of brain function, such as how smoothly a person can process things.
The first study was conducted with 44 older adults who had cognitive impairment. This study was carried out as a randomized controlled trial (a reliable research method in which participants are randomly divided to compare effects). It compared a group that incorporated "dual-tasking" — performing another task while exercising, in addition to regular strength training — with a group that did only strength training. The results reported that the type of exercise involving doing two things at once was more effective at improving cognitive function. In other words, attention is being paid to a style that engages the mind while also moving the body.
Another study surveyed 45 community-dwelling older adults. This too was carried out as a randomized controlled trial (a reliable research method in which participants are randomly divided to compare effects). The results of this study showed that exercise improved processing speed (the ability to process information quickly and accurately), executive function (the brain function involved in planning things and adjusting one's thinking to the situation), and physical performance measures such as walking speed.
Studies have also reported that exercise and cognitive function have a positive effect on memory, but since the number of studies is still small, this cannot be said to be certain.
The evidence score is 36, and reliability is limited.
Summarizing the memory-related research reveals some trends. A study using meta-analysis (a method that combines the results of multiple studies to examine an overall trend) suggests that exercise may have a positive effect on overall brain cognitive function. Specifically, it has been reported that aerobic exercise is related to overall cognitive function, strength training is related to executive function, and mind-body exercise (exercise mindful of the mind-body connection) is related to memory.
On the other hand, there are also cases where results do not agree. For example, a small-scale study of 96 older adults with Alzheimer's-type dementia examined whether aerobic exercise performed several times a week showed a superior effect on cognitive function compared with stretching. The results of this trial were that aerobic exercise could not be said to show a superior effect compared with stretching. It has been pointed out that this may be because the study did not have sufficient power (sample size).
In the research so far, the content and duration of the exercise varies from person to person.
For example, in a study conducted over a short 42-day period, exercise was performed 3 times a week for about 40 minutes each session. On the other hand, there is also an example of a study in which cycling several times a week was continued over a long period of half a year (6 months).
In addition, according to a systematic review (a comprehensive summary of past research on a specific topic), aerobic exercise and strength training have been shown to provide benefits in adults and older adults. Results may vary between individuals and will not necessarily act the same way for everyone, but it is suggested that various types of exercise are related to brain function.
| Study | Design | Number of participants | Duration | Main result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMC Geriatrics (2024, PMID:38658827) | Randomized controlled trial (RCT) | 44 | 42 days | A positive effect was reported |
| The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging (2018, PMID:30272098) | Randomized controlled trial (RCT) | 45 | 112 days | A positive effect was reported |
| Journal of Alzheimer's Disease : JAD (2021, PMID:33523004) | Randomized controlled trial (RCT) | 96 | Unknown | No clear association was found |
| Ageing Research Reviews (2023, PMID:37924980) | Meta-analysis | Unknown | Unknown | A positive effect was reported |
| Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS (2016, PMID:26646070) | Systematic review | Unknown | Unknown | A positive effect was reported |
Research subjects include 44 older adults with cognitive impairment, 45 community-dwelling older adults with cognitive frailty, and 96 older adults with Alzheimer's-type dementia. In addition, healthy children, adults, older adults, and animal models are also included as subjects.
Because the research subjects range widely, from older adults in specific conditions to healthy children and animal models, this can serve as a reference point for considering your own situation.
There are a total of 5 studies on this topic. The study designs include randomized controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, and systematic reviews.
There are 2 studies on cognitive performance, and reliability is considered moderate.
On the other hand, there are 3 studies on memory, and reliability is limited. Also included are a report that the expected effect was not shown in a study of older adults with Alzheimer's-type dementia, as well as studies using animal models.
What effect has exercise and cognitive function been reported to have on cognitive performance?
Studies have reported a positive effect on cognitive performance. There are 2 such studies.
What data exists regarding the effect of exercise and cognitive function on memory?
3 studies have reported a positive effect on memory. However, reliability is limited.
What kinds of subjects are included in research on exercise and cognitive function?
This includes older adults with cognitive impairment, older adults with cognitive frailty, and older adults with Alzheimer's-type dementia. Healthy children, adults, and animal models are also included as subjects.
There are several reports regarding exercise's involvement in improving cognitive performance and memory. However, results differ somewhat between studies, and for memory in particular, some findings still have limited reliability.
The content here is information based solely on research data, and does not guarantee an effect common to everyone.
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