Physical Activity Improves Cognition and Activities of Daily Living in Adults with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Shengwen Zhou, Sitong Chen, Xiaolei Liu, Yanjie Zhang, Mengxian Zhao and Wenjiao Li
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Shengwen Zhou: Department of Chinese Martial Arts, College of Sport Science, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou 425100, China
Sitong Chen: Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne 8001, Australia
Xiaolei Liu: Chinese Traditional Regimen Exercise Intervention Research Center, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
Yanjie Zhang: Health and Exercise Science Laboratory, Institute of Sports Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
Mengxian Zhao: School of Physical Education, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
Wenjiao Li: Physical Education Unit, School of Humanities and Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong—Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, China

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 3, 1-16

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to examine the effects of physical activity (PA) on cognition and activities of daily living in adults with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Methods: Six electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycArticles, SPORTDiscus, EMBASE and CNKI) were used to search for potential studies from inception until October 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of physical activity (PA) on cognition and activities of daily living in AD patients compared to a control condition were included. The effect sizes were synthesized using a random effects model with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Sixteen articles including 945 participants (aged 70 to 88 years, 34.6% male) met the inclusion criteria. The pooled effect sizes demonstrated that PA intervention was associated with significant improvements in global cognition (Standard Mean Difference (SMD) = 0.41, 95% CI [0.24, 0.58], p < 0.01) and activities of daily living (SMD = 0.56, 95% CI [0.32, 0.79], p < 0.01) in AD patients. Subgroup analyses suggested that PA for 3–4 times per week for 30–45 min for more than 12 weeks had a relatively strong effect on improving global cognition in AD patients. The sensitivity analysis showed robust results. Conclusions: The findings from the current meta-analysis suggested that AD patients can improve their global cognition and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) through engaging in aerobic and mixed exercise (aerobic and anaerobic exercise).

Keywords: physical exercise; cognitive function; activities of daily living; Alzheimer’s disease (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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