The Effects of Mind-Body Exercise on Cognitive Performance in Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Yanjie Zhang, Chunxiao Li, Liye Zou, Xiaolei Liu and Wook Song
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Yanjie Zhang: Health and Exercise Science Laboratory, Institute of Sports Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
Chunxiao Li: Physical Education and Sports Science Academic Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore
Liye Zou: Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
Xiaolei Liu: Academy of Martial Arts and Traditional Sports, Beijing Sports University, Beijing 100084, China
Wook Song: Health and Exercise Science Laboratory, Institute of Sports Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea

IJERPH, 2018, vol. 15, issue 12, 1-16

Abstract: Background : As the situation of cognitive aging is getting worse, preventing or treating cognitive decline through effective strategies is highly important. This systematic review aims to investigate whether mind-body exercise is an effective approach for treating cognition decline. Methods : Searches for the potential studies were performed on the eight electronic databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, PsycArtilces, CNKI, and Wanfang). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effect of mind-body exercise on cognitive performance in older adults were included. Data were extracted and effect sizes were pooled with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using random-effects models. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale was employed to examine the study quality. Results : Nineteen RCTs including 2539 elders (67.3% female) with fair to good study quality were identified. Mind-body exercise, relative to control intervention, showed significant benefits on cognitive performance, global cognition ( Hedges’g = 0.23), executive functions ( Hedges’g = 0.25 to 0.65), learning and memory ( Hedges’g = 0.37 to 0.49), and language ( Hedges’g = 0.35). In addition, no significant adverse events were reported. Conclusion : Mind-body exercise may be a safe and effective intervention for enhancing cognitive function among people aged 60 years or older. Further research evidence is still needed to make a more conclusive statement.

Keywords: Tai Chi; Qigong; Yoga; cognition; older; research synthesis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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