A Meta-Analysis of Studies of the Effect of Mind Body Exercise on Various Domains of Cognitive Function in Older People With or Without Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Abstract

Objectivethis meta-analysis evaluates the effects of mind-body exercise (MBE) on cognitive function in older adults with or without mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We examined the impact of different MBE, including yoga, tai chi, qigong, and meditation, on six cognitive domains: attention, executive function, working memory, verbal memory, processing speed, and visual-spatial construction.MethodsWe searched eight electronic databases from inception till August 2024. The literature search, study selection, data extraction, methodological quality assessment and statistical analyses were performed.ResultsA total of 45 studies, comprising 4602 participants, were included. Results indicated that MBE had a moderate positive effect on visual-spatial construction (Hedges' g = 0.46) and small effects on other domains such as verbal memory (Hedge's g = 0.24), processing speed (Hedge's g = 0.26), working memory (Hedges' g = 0.15) and executive function (Hedges' g = 0.10). However, there was no improvement in attention (Hedge's g = 0.08, 95% CI = -0.07 to 0.23). The meta-regression analysis further revealed that participants with MCI experienced greater improvements in visual-spatial construction and executive function than healthy participants. Additionally, significant differences were observed among intervention types, with yoga and tai chi showing stronger effects on visual-spatial construction and verbal memory than meditation.ConclusionsThese findings suggest MBE is an effective intervention for improving cognitive function, especially in MCI populations and with certain types of interventions. Utilization of validated modules for MBE intervention and inclusion of long-term follow-up assessments to establish conclusive findings were also suggested.