Effects of different types of chronic physical activities and sports on executive functions among children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

This meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of various types of chronic physical activities (PA) and sports interventions on executive functions (EF) in children and adolescents, comparing the effectiveness of cognitive engagement, frequency and intensity, and combined factors. A search of PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycInfo databases identified 30 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with 93 comparisons, exploring the impact of chronic PA on EF subdomains (working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility). Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and statistical indices. Results showed that cognitively enriched PA and combined interventions had statistically significant but trivial effects on EF, with considerable variability. Specific PA subtypes, such as high-frequency, high-intensity activities and coordination games, resulted in small to moderate improvements in EF. PA interventions had a small significant impact on working memory, a trivial effect on cognitive flexibility, and no effect on inhibitory control. While both qualitative and quantitative elements in PA interventions produced statistically significant effects on EF, their practical significance was limited. This limitation persisted across specific PA subtypes. The study suggests future research focus on cognitively enriched activities to explore the various qualitative elements influencing cognitive function in these subtypes.