The Relationship between Physical Fitness and Cognitive Functions in Older People: A Systematic Review

Maria Antonieta Tinôco, Marcelo de Maio Nascimento, Adilson Marques (), Élvio Rúbio Gouveia (), Salvador Miguel, Francisco Santos and Andreas Ihle
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Maria Antonieta Tinôco: Coordination of Physical Education and Sport, Federal Institute of Science and Technology Education of Amazonas, Manaus 69020-120, Brazil
Marcelo de Maio Nascimento: Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina 56304-917, Brazil
Adilson Marques: Centre for the Study of Human Performance (CIPER), Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon, 1495-751 Lisbon, Portugal
Élvio Rúbio Gouveia: Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Madeira, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
Salvador Miguel: Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Madeira, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
Francisco Santos: Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Madeira, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
Andreas Ihle: Department of Psychology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 23, 1-28

Abstract: The ageing process is associated with vulnerabilities, such as cognitive decline. Physical activity and exercise are key for preserving cognitive health in older age. This systematic review aims to analyse the effects of physical fitness programs on healthy older adults’ cognitive functions. An electronic search was performed in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. It included observational and experimental studies published between February 2017 and March 2023. Of the 1922 studies identified, 38 met the inclusion criteria. The findings show the positive effects of physical training on cognitive function in older adults. The most examined cognitive domains were executive function, memory function, and global cognition. Aerobic training prevailed, followed by resistance strength training and exergames. There was high variability in the characteristics of the protocols. The average length of interventions was 3–6 months; the frequency varied in the range of 1–4-times a week and 30–90 min sessions. The findings of this systematic review emphasise that physical fitness programs positively improve the specific domains of cognitive function in healthy older adults. These results can contribute to planning future interventions to improve the mental health of the older population and strengthen the development of policies for healthy ageing.

Keywords: cognitive function; physical fitness; older adults; active ageing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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