Cognitive Benefits of Physical Exercise, Physical–Cognitive Training, and Technology-Based Intervention in Obese Individuals with and without Postmenopausal Condition: A Narrative Review

Puntarik Keawtep, Wanachaporn Wichayanrat, Sirinun Boripuntakul, Siriporn C. Chattipakorn and Somporn Sungkarat ()
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Puntarik Keawtep: Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Wanachaporn Wichayanrat: Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Sirinun Boripuntakul: Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Siriporn C. Chattipakorn: Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Somporn Sungkarat: Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 20, 1-15

Abstract: Obesity and estrogen deprivation have been identified as significant risk factors for cognitive impairment. Thus, postmenopausal conditions when paired with obesity may amplify the risks of developing dementia. Physical exercise has been recommended as a primary treatment for preventing obesity-related comorbidities and alleviating menopausal symptoms. This narrative review aimed to summarize the effects of exercise on cognition in obese individuals with and without menopausal condition, along with potential physiological mechanisms linking these interventions to cognitive improvement. Research evidence has demonstrated that exercise benefits not only physical but also cognitive and brain health. Among various types of exercise, recent studies have suggested that combined physical–cognitive exercise may exert larger gains in cognitive benefits than physical or cognitive exercise alone. Despite the scarcity of studies investigating the effects of physical and combined physical–cognitive exercise in obese individuals, especially those with menopausal condition, existing evidence has shown promising findings. Applying these exercises through technology-based interventions may be a viable approach to increase accessibility and adherence to the intervention. More evidence from randomized clinical trials with large samples and rigorous methodology is required. Further, investigations of biochemical and physiological outcomes along with behavioral changes will provide insight into underlying mechanisms linking these interventions to cognitive improvement.

Keywords: exercise; physical activity; physical–cognitive training; obesity; menopause; cognitive function (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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