Effect of Exercise on Cognition, Memory, and Executive Function: A Study-Level Meta-Meta-Analysis Across Populations and Exercise Categories

Frantisek Bartos, Martina Lušková, Kseniya Bortnikova, Karolina Hozova, Klára Kantová, Zuzana Irsova and Tomas Havranek
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Frantisek Bartos: Department of Psychological Methods, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Karolina Hozova: Institute of Economic Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic

No 2025/31, Working Papers IES from Charles University Prague, Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Economic Studies

Abstract: Physical exercise is widely believed to enhance cognition, yet evidence from meta-analyses remains mixed. Here we compile a study-level dataset of 2,239 effect-size estimates from 215 meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials examining the effect of exercise on general cognition, memory, and executive functions. We find strong evidence of selective reporting and large between-study heterogeneity. Analyses adjusted for publication bias reveal average effects much smaller than commonly reported (general cognition: standardized mean difference, SMD, = 0.227, 95% credible interval 0.116 to 0.330; memory: SMD = 0.027, 95% credible interval 0.000 to 0.227; executive functions: SMD = 0.012, 95% credible interval 0.000 to 0.147), along with wide prediction intervals spanning both negative and positive effects. Subgroup analyses identify specific population-intervention combinations with more consistent benefits. Overall, broad claims of generalized cognitive enhancement resulting from physical exercise appear premature; the evidence supports targeted, population- and intervention-specific recommendations.

Keywords: Publication bias; Bayesian; Brain health; Evidence; Policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I10 I12 J24 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 38 pages
Date: 2025-12, Revised 2025-12
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