Project description:Exercise programs of moderate-to-vigorous intensity have been shown to improve the cognitive performance of older people. However, the specific effects of sports-based exercise programs on cognitive performance, particularly executive functions, remain unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to clarify the effects of sports-based exercise programs on executive functions in older adults using a systematic review and meta-analysis of the scientific literature. A systematic review was conducted between 1 March and 1 July 2022, to look for published scientific evidence that analyzed different sports programs that may have affected executive function in healthy older adults. Longitudinal studies, which assessed the effects of sports interventions on healthy older adults, were identified through a systematic search of the four principal electronic databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO. A total of nine studies with a total of 398 subjects met the inclusion criteria and were classified based on one or more of the following categories: working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility. The DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software to facilitate the analysis of the studies. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. In terms of working memory, a small but positive significant effect was noted for the intervention group compared to the control group (effect size (ES) = 0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.04-0.67; p = 0.029; I2 = 36.7%); in terms of inhibition, the intervention had a small favoring but no significant effect compared to the control group (ES = 0.20, 95% CI = -0.42-0.84; p = 0.517; I2 = 78.8%); and in terms of cognitive flexibility, the intervention had a small favoring but no significant effect compared to the control group (ES = 0.39, 95% CI = -0.11-0.89; p = 0.131; I2 = 75.5%). Our findings suggest that healthy older adults should be encouraged to participate in sports to improve their working memory; however, more studies are required in this area to reach more robust conclusions. This systematic review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration number: CRD42022284788).
Project description:BackgroundA large body of research has identified the positive effects of physical activity on children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, the specific benefits of different types of sports on executive functioning in children with ASD remain unclear. The aim of this study was to further analyze the effects of different sports on executive functioning in children with ASD using reticulated meta-analysis and to establish their effectiveness ranking.MethodsThis study conducted a comprehensive online search in Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and CNKI databases. It included randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies, and synthesized the data using a Bayesian framework.ResultsSeveral relevant studies were included. The results showed that physical activity significantly improved all three dimensions of executive functioning (inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and working memory) in children with ASD. The improvement in cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control both reached a medium effect size. However, the improvement in inhibitory control was better than that in cognitive flexibility, while the improvement in working memory did not reach the level of a medium effect. Mini Basketball was effective in improving inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility, but not working memory. Ping Pong was more effective in cognitive flexibility and working memory, but weaker in inhibitory control. Fixed Bicycle was less effective in all three dimensions. Among other interventions, Learning Bicycles, Animal-assisted therapy, and Exergaming performed better in cognitive flexibility. SPARK, Neiyang Gong, and Martial Arts were also effective in improving inhibitory control. However, SPARK and Fixed Bicycle were not significant in improving working memory.ConclusionPhysical activity as an intervention can significantly improve the executive function of children with ASD. The intervention effects of different sports on different dimensions of executive function vary. Mini Basketball was outstanding in improving inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. Ping Pong was effective in improving cognitive flexibility and working memory. Fixed Bicycle was not effective in any dimension.
Project description:Executive function (EF) delays are well documented in paediatric neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs). There is no consensus about whether EF delay represents a transdiagnostic feature of NDCs. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized 180 studies reporting two or more NDC comparisons on EF, examined differences between NDCs, and the moderating effects of gender, age, publication year, DSM editions and assessment types. Studies using established EF measures across seven domains (attention, fluency, set-shifting, set-switching, response inhibition, planning and working memory) in participants under 18 were included. Summary effects were compared: (1) for all reported NDCs relative to control, (2) for each individual NDC relative to control and (3) between NDC groups. Results confirmed that EF delay was a transdiagnostic feature of neurodevelopmental delay, with a moderate effect size of delay across all NDCs (g = 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49-0.63) compared with control. This effect increased with comorbidities (g = 0.72, 95% CI 0.59-0.86), DSM-5 criteria and informant measures. Comparisons between NDCs revealed few differences: children with tic disorders (TD) showed smaller EF delays, children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) showed larger delays in attention, response inhibition, planning and working memory compared with TD and specific learning disorders, while children with autism spectrum disorders showed greater delays on set-switching compared with ADHD. Findings support transdiagnostic models of neurodevelopment to further a developmentally sensitive science that can reveal how EF delays contribute to brain circuitry, symptom profiles and functioning, and ultimately support early interventions and outcomes for all children with NDCs.
Project description:One of the most studied aspects of children's cognitive development is that of the development of the executive function, and research has shown that physical activity has been demonstrated as a key factor in its enhancement. This meta-analysis aims to assess the impact of specific sports interventions on the executive function of children and teenagers. A systematic review was carried out on 1 November 2020 to search for published scientific evidence that analysed different sports programs that possibly affected executive function in students. Longitudinal studies, which assessed the effects of sports interventions on subjects between 6 and 18 years old, were identified through a systematic search of the four principal electronic databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO. A total of eight studies, with 424 subjects overall, met the inclusion criteria and were classified based on one or more of the following categories: working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility. The random-effects model for meta-analyses was performed with RevMan version 5.3 to facilitate the analysis of the studies. Large effect sizes were found in all categories: working memory (ES -1.25; 95% CI -1.70; -0.79; p < 0.0001); inhibitory control (ES -1.30; 95% CI -1.98; -0.63; p < 0.00001); and cognitive flexibility (ES -1.52; 95% CI -2.20; -0.83; p < 0.00001). Our analysis concluded that healthy children and teenagers should be encouraged to practice sports in order to improve their executive function at every stage of their development.
Project description:BackgroundPrevious studies found that exercise interventions have positive effects on executive functions of the general population. However, studies seldom target executive functions of children and adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to synthesise empirical studies regarding the effects of exercise interventions on executive functions of children and adolescents with ADHD.MethodsA systematic search of the relevant literature was conducted in March 2020 through six electronic databases: CINAHL Complete, Eric, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, SPORTDiscus with Full Text, and Web of Science. Randomised controlled trials/quasi-experimental designs that applied exercise interventions and assessed executive functions through neurocognitive tasks among children and adolescents with ADHD were included. Altogether, 314 studies were identified, from which 31 full texts were independently assessed by two authors for eligibility. Finally, 21 studies underwent systematic reviews and 15 were selected for meta-analysis. Data extraction procedures and risk of bias analysis were conducted by two independent authors using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale.ResultsThe findings indicated that exercise interventions improved overall executive functions of children and adolescents with ADHD (SMD = 0.611, 95% CI [0.386 to 0.836], p < 0.01). Exercise interventions had a moderate-to-large positive effect on inhibitory control (g = 0.761, 95% CI [0.376 to 1.146], p < 0.01) and cognitive flexibility (g = 0.780, 95% CI [0.331 to 1.228], p < 0.001). Likewise, during the subgroup analysis, intervention intensity and sessions of exercise (acute vs chronic) significantly moderated exercise intervention rather than intervention type.ConclusionsChronic sessions of exercise interventions with moderate intensity should be incorporated as treatment for children with ADHD to promote executive functions.
Project description:ObjectiveThis systematic review, performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, seeks to summarize the interventions that have been developed in order to improve executive functioning and attention in children born prematurely.MethodsThe PICOS framework helped guide the structure and relevant terms selected for the study. Electronic systematic searches of the databases PubMed (NLM), Ovid Medline, Ovid All EBM Reviews, Ovid Embase, and Ovid PsycINFO were completed in March 2022. This review focuses on interventions that target attention and executive functioning in prematurely born children between birth and 12 years old, with outcome measures assessed between 3 and 12 years old, even if the age range in the study can exceed our own parameters. Data extraction included sample characteristics, country of recruitment, type of intervention, description of the intervention group and control group, outcome measures, and overall results. An assessment of the quality of methodology of studies was performed through an adaptation of the Downs and Black checklist for both randomized and nonrandomized studies in healthcare interventions. An assessment of the risk of bias was also presented using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials 2.0.ResultsA total of 517 premature children received an intervention at some point between birth and early adolescence. Eleven different interventions were assessed in 17 studies, with rating of the quality of methodology and outcomes ranging from lower quality studies (44% quality rating) to robust studies (96% quality rating) in terms of reporting standards, external and internal validity, and power. Five of those studies focused on interventions administered in the neonatal intensive care unit or shortly postdischarge (e.g., the Mother-Infant Transaction Program and the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program, documented in two articles each [11%] or the Infant Behavioral Assessment and Intervention Program assessed in one study [about 5%]), while 12 articles reported on interventions administered between the ages of 1.5-12 years old [mostly computerized cognitive training programs such as Cogmed (23%) and BrainGame Brian (17%)]. Of the 17 articles examined, 12 (70%) showed positive short-term outcomes postintervention and 3 (17%) demonstrated positive long-term results with small to large effect sizes (0.23-2.3). Among included studies, 50% showed an overall high risk of bias, 21.4% showed some concerns, and 28.6% were low risk of bias.ConclusionsDue to the heterogeneity of the programs reviewed, the presented findings should be interpreted as descriptive results. A careful and individualized selection from the various available interventions should be made based on the target population (i.e., age at intervention administration and outcome testing) before implementing these program protocols in clinical settings.
Project description:ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of exercise on executive function in children, providing an evidence-based foundation to inform future research in school physical education and health education.MethodsWe searched ten databases: Cochrane Library, Scopus, OVID, Web of Science, PubMed, EBSCOhost, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, CNKI, WANFANG DATA, VIP, and SinoMed, and eight articles were included. Applying the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Randomized Trials (RoB2), funnel plots and Egger regression analysis were integrated with R meta-analysis to screen for publication bias. The quality of the evidence was appraised using the Grading system.ResultsThe included literature contained 2655 participants, with 1308 in the experimental group and 1347 in the control group. The results indicated that the aerobic exercise group considerably improved inhibitory control in children compared to the control group [SMD = 0.29, 95% CI (0.05, 0.54), P = 0.018]; working memory [SMD = 0.25, 95% CI (0.07, 0.42), P = 0.005]; and cognitive flexibility [SMD = 0.36, 95% CI (0.17, 0.54), P < 0.001]. However, the findings indicated that only aerobic exercise interventions extending beyond 50 weeks positively influenced academic performance in children [SMD = 1.19, 95% CI (0.34, 2.04), P = 0.006]. The results of an Egger regression analysis revealed that the p-values for inhibitory control, working memory, cognitive flexibility, and academic performance were more significant than 0.1. The Grade system said that the quality of evidence was all low regarding the level of evidence.ConclusionAerobic exercise enhanced executive function but only aerobic exercise interventions extending beyond 50 weeks demonstrated a significant effect on the academic performance of children. Due to the low quality of evidence presented in this study, additional high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Project description:Executive function is among the most affected cognitive dimensions in depression. Physical exercise may improve executive function (e.g., working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility), although this is without consensus on adults with depression. Through this systematic review, we aim to elucidate the effects of physical exercise programs on executive functions in adults with depression. The literature search was performed in four relevant electronic databases, combining keywords and medical subject headings, from inception until September 2022. Controlled interventions, involving adults with depression, and reporting working memory, inhibition, and/or cognitive flexibility pre-post-intervention data, were considered includable. Results from meta-analyses included effect size (ES, i.e., Hedges' g) values reported with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs), with p set at ≤0.05. Seven studies were included, including 202 men and 457 women (age: 21.0-51.2 years; mild-moderate depression). For working memory, a small favoring effect was observed in the experimental groups compared with controls (ES = 0.33, 95%CI = 0.04-0.61; p = 0.026; I2 = 64.9%). For inhibition, physical exercise had a small favoring non-significant effect compared with controls (ES = 0.28, 95%CI = -0.17-0.74; p = 0.222; I2 = 72.4%). Compared with the control group, physical exercise had a trivial effect on cognitive flexibility (ES = 0.09, 95%CI = -0.21-0.39; p = 0.554; I2 = 68.4%). In conclusion, physical exercise interventions may improve working memory behavioral measures in adults with mild-to-moderate depression when compared with active and passive control conditions. However, the reduced number of available high-quality studies precludes more lucid conclusions.