scispace - formally typeset
Search or ask a question
Journal ArticleDOI

Sex differences in exercise efficacy to improve cognition: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in older humans

01 Jul 2017-Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology (Front Neuroendocrinol)-Vol. 46, pp 71-85
TL;DR: It is suggested that women's executive processes may benefit more from exercise than men, and aerobic training led to greater benefits than resistance training in global cognitive function and executive functions, while multimodal combinedTraining led togreat benefits than aerobic training for global Cognitive function, episodic memory, and word fluency.
About: This article is published in Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology.The article was published on 2017-07-01. It has received 247 citations till now. The article focuses on the topics: Aerobic exercise & Executive functions.
Citations
More filters
Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Author(s): Livingston, Gill; Huntley, Jonathan; Sommerlad, Andrew ; Sommer Glad, Andrew; Ames, David; Ballard, Clive; Banerjee, Sube; Brayne, Carol; Burns, Alistair; Cohen-Mansfield, Jiska; Cooper, Claudia; Costafreda, Sergi G; Dias, Amit; Fox, Nick; Gitlin, Laura N; Howard, Robert; Kales, Helen C;

3,559 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a review of the current knowledge of lifestyle-related risk factors and results from novel trials aiming to prevent cognitive decline and dementia is presented, including the World Wide FINGERS network, which aims to harmonize studies on dementia prevention, generate high-quality scientific evidence and promote its implementation.
Abstract: Research into dementia prevention is of paramount importance if the dementia epidemic is to be halted. Observational studies have identified several potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia, including hypertension, dyslipidaemia and obesity at midlife, diabetes mellitus, smoking, physical inactivity, depression and low levels of education. Randomized clinical trials are needed that investigate whether interventions targeting these risk factors can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in elderly adults, but such trials are methodologically challenging. To date, most preventive interventions have been tested in small groups, have focused on a single lifestyle factor and have yielded negative or modest results. Given the multifactorial aetiology of dementia and late-onset Alzheimer disease, multidomain interventions that target several risk factors and mechanisms simultaneously might be necessary for an optimal preventive effect. In the past few years, three large multidomain trials (FINGER, MAPT and PreDIVA) have been completed. The FINGER trial showed that a multidomain lifestyle intervention can benefit cognition in elderly people with an elevated risk of dementia. The primary results from the other trials did not show a statistically significant benefit of preventive interventions, but additional analyses among participants at risk of dementia showed beneficial effects of intervention. Overall, results from these three trials suggest that targeting of preventive interventions to at-risk individuals is an effective strategy. This Review discusses the current knowledge of lifestyle-related risk factors and results from novel trials aiming to prevent cognitive decline and dementia. Global initiatives are presented, including the World Wide FINGERS network, which aims to harmonize studies on dementia prevention, generate high-quality scientific evidence and promote its implementation.

543 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: There is moderate-to-strong support that PA benefits cognitive functioning during early and late periods of the life span and in certain populations characterized by cognitive deficits.
Abstract: PurposePhysical activity (PA) is known to improve cognitive and brain function, but debate continues regarding the consistency and magnitude of its effects, populations and cognitive domains most affected, and parameters necessary to achieve the greatest improvements (e.g., dose).MethodsIn t

440 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This review aims to summarize the current methodological knowledge about fNIRS application in studies measuring the cortical hemodynamic responses during cognitive testing, and in cross-sectional studies accounting for the physical fitness level of their participants.
Abstract: For cognitive processes to function well, it is essential that the brain is optimally supplied with oxygen and blood. In recent years, evidence has emerged suggesting that cerebral oxygenation and hemodynamics can be modified with physical activity. To better understand the relationship between cerebral oxygenation/hemodynamics, physical activity, and cognition, the application of state-of-the art neuroimaging tools is essential. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is such a neuroimaging tool especially suitable to investigate the effects of physical activity/exercises on cerebral oxygenation and hemodynamics due to its capability to quantify changes in the concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin (oxyHb) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (deoxyHb) non-invasively in the human brain. However, currently there is no clear standardized procedure regarding the application, data processing, and data analysis of fNIRS, and there is a large heterogeneity regarding how fNIRS is applied in the field of exercise–cognition science. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the current methodological knowledge about fNIRS application in studies measuring the cortical hemodynamic responses during cognitive testing (i) prior and after different physical activities interventions, and (ii) in cross-sectional studies accounting for the physical fitness level of their participants. Based on the review of the methodology of 35 as relevant considered publications, we outline recommendations for future fNIRS studies in the field of exercise–cognition science.

240 citations

01 Jan 2018
TL;DR: The first large randomized controlled trials of multidomain lifestyle interventions to prevent cognitive impairment have been completed, and the results suggest that targeting interventions to individuals at risk of dementia is an effective strategy.
Abstract: Research into dementia prevention is of paramount importance if the dementia epidemic is to be halted. Observational studies have identified several potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia, including hypertension, dyslipidaemia and obesity at midlife, diabetes mellitus, smoking, physical inactivity, depression and low levels of education. Randomized clinical trials are needed that investigate whether interventions targeting these risk factors can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in elderly adults, but such trials are methodologically challenging. To date, most preventive interventions have been tested in small groups, have focused on a single lifestyle factor and have yielded negative or modest results. Given the multifactorial aetiology of dementia and late-onset Alzheimer disease, multidomain interventions that target several risk factors and mechanisms simultaneously might be necessary for an optimal preventive effect. In the past few years, three large multidomain trials (FINGER, MAPT and PreDIVA) have been completed. The FINGER trial showed that a multidomain lifestyle intervention can benefit cognition in elderly people with an elevated risk of dementia. The primary results from the other trials did not show a statistically significant benefit of preventive interventions, but additional analyses among participants at risk of dementia showed beneficial effects of intervention. Overall, results from these three trials suggest that targeting of preventive interventions to at-risk individuals is an effective strategy. This Review discusses the current knowledge of lifestyle-related risk factors and results from novel trials aiming to prevent cognitive decline and dementia. Global initiatives are presented, including the World Wide FINGERS network, which aims to harmonize studies on dementia prevention, generate high-quality scientific evidence and promote its implementation.

228 citations

References
More filters
Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An Explanation and Elaboration of the PRISMA Statement is presented and updated guidelines for the reporting of systematic reviews and meta-analyses are presented.
Abstract: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are essential to summarize evidence relating to efficacy and safety of health care interventions accurately and reliably. The clarity and transparency of these reports, however, is not optimal. Poor reporting of systematic reviews diminishes their value to clinicians, policy makers, and other users. Since the development of the QUOROM (QUality Of Reporting Of Meta-analysis) Statement—a reporting guideline published in 1999—there have been several conceptual, methodological, and practical advances regarding the conduct and reporting of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Also, reviews of published systematic reviews have found that key information about these studies is often poorly reported. Realizing these issues, an international group that included experienced authors and methodologists developed PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) as an evolution of the original QUOROM guideline for systematic reviews and meta-analyses of evaluations of health care interventions. The PRISMA Statement consists of a 27-item checklist and a four-phase flow diagram. The checklist includes items deemed essential for transparent reporting of a systematic review. In this Explanation and Elaboration document, we explain the meaning and rationale for each checklist item. For each item, we include an example of good reporting and, where possible, references to relevant empirical studies and methodological literature. The PRISMA Statement, this document, and the associated Web site (http://www.prisma-statement.org/) should be helpful resources to improve reporting of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

25,711 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This Explanation and Elaboration document explains the meaning and rationale for each checklist item and includes an example of good reporting and, where possible, references to relevant empirical studies and methodological literature.

8,021 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
24 Mar 2010-BMJ
TL;DR: This update of the CONSORT statement improves the wording and clarity of the previous checklist and incorporates recommendations related to topics that have only recently received recognition, such as selective outcome reporting bias.
Abstract: Overwhelming evidence shows the quality of reporting of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) is not optimal. Without transparent reporting, readers cannot judge the reliability and validity of trial findings nor extract information for systematic reviews. Recent methodological analyses indicate that inadequate reporting and design are associated with biased estimates of treatment effects. Such systematic error is seriously damaging to RCTs, which are considered the gold standard for evaluating interventions because of their ability to minimise or avoid bias. A group of scientists and editors developed the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) statement to improve the quality of reporting of RCTs. It was first published in 1996 and updated in 2001. The statement consists of a checklist and flow diagram that authors can use for reporting an RCT. Many leading medical journals and major international editorial groups have endorsed the CONSORT statement. The statement facilitates critical appraisal and interpretation of RCTs. During the 2001 CONSORT revision, it became clear that explanation and elaboration of the principles underlying the CONSORT statement would help investigators and others to write or appraise trial reports. A CONSORT explanation and elaboration article was published in 2001 alongside the 2001 version of the CONSORT statement. After an expert meeting in January 2007, the CONSORT statement has been further revised and is published as the CONSORT 2010 Statement. This update improves the wording and clarity of the previous checklist and incorporates recommendations related to topics that have only recently received recognition, such as selective outcome reporting bias. This explanatory and elaboration document-intended to enhance the use, understanding, and dissemination of the CONSORT statement-has also been extensively revised. It presents the meaning and rationale for each new and updated checklist item providing examples of good reporting and, where possible, references to relevant empirical studies. Several examples of flow diagrams are included. The CONSORT 2010 Statement, this revised explanatory and elaboration document, and the associated website (www.consort-statement.org) should be helpful resources to improve reporting of randomised trials.

5,957 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is shown that aerobic exercise training increases the size of the anterior hippocampus, leading to improvements in spatial memory, and that increased hippocampal volume is associated with greater serum levels of BDNF, a mediator of neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus.
Abstract: The hippocampus shrinks in late adulthood, leading to impaired memory and increased risk for dementia. Hippocampal and medial temporal lobe volumes are larger in higher-fit adults, and physical activity training increases hippocampal perfusion, but the extent to which aerobic exercise training can modify hippocampal volume in late adulthood remains unknown. Here we show, in a randomized controlled trial with 120 older adults, that aerobic exercise training increases the size of the anterior hippocampus, leading to improvements in spatial memory. Exercise training increased hippocampal volume by 2%, effectively reversing age-related loss in volume by 1 to 2 y. We also demonstrate that increased hippocampal volume is associated with greater serum levels of BDNF, a mediator of neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus. Hippocampal volume declined in the control group, but higher preintervention fitness partially attenuated the decline, suggesting that fitness protects against volume loss. Caudate nucleus and thalamus volumes were unaffected by the intervention. These theoretically important findings indicate that aerobic exercise training is effective at reversing hippocampal volume loss in late adulthood, which is accompanied by improved memory function.

3,616 citations


"Sex differences in exercise efficac..." refers background or methods in this paper

  • ...The effect of AT on episodic memory was assessed in 7 studies, with 2 high female studies [51; 55] and 5 low female studies [38; 56; 57; 61; 62], contributing a total of 12 effect sizes....

    [...]

  • ...active balance and tone group [28; 29; 30; 38; 47; 48; 52; 58; 59; 72], 5 using a sedentary waitlist group [50; 51; 73; 76; 81], 12 using a sedentary group [55; 60; 62; 63; 65; 66; 67; 71; 74; 75; 78; 82], 7 using an health education group [57; 61; 69; 77; 79; 80; 83], 2...

    [...]

  • ...Divergent mechanisms include increased hippocampal volume with AT [37; 38; 39], and increased cortical thickness in the posterior cingulate as well as reduced white matter lesion progression with RT [40; 41]....

    [...]

  • ...the exercise intervention to increase fitness levels was objectively measured in 22 studies [29; 30; 38; 47; 50; 51; 53; 57; 58; 59; 60; 63; 64; 65; 66; 68; 70; 72; 76; 77; 80; 82]....

    [...]

  • ...Of the final 39 papers included in the meta-analysis, 18 studies had an AT group [38; 47; 48; 49; 50; 51; 52; 54; 55; 56; 58; 59; 60; 61; 62; 63; 64; 65], 7 had a RT...

    [...]

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Fitness training was found to have robust but selective benefits for cognition, with the largest fitness-induced benefits occurring for executive-control processes.
Abstract: A meta-analytic study was conducted to examine the hypothesis that aerobic fitness training enhances the cognitive vitality of healthy but sedentary older adults. Eighteen intervention studies published between 1966 and 2001 were entered into the analysis. Several theoretically and practically important results were obtained. Most important fitness training was found to have robust but selective benefits for cognition, with the largest fitness-induced benefits occurring for executive-control processes. The magnitude of fitness effects on cognition was also moderated by a number of programmatic and methodological factors, including the length of the fitness-training intervention, the type of the intervention, the duration of training sessions, and the gender of the study participants. The results are discussed in terms of recent neuroscientific and psychological data that indicate cognitive and neural plasticity is maintained throughout the life span.

3,469 citations


"Sex differences in exercise efficac..." refers background or methods or result in this paper

  • ...cardiovascular health and fitness and its effects on cognitive functioning and neuroplasticity have been widely studied in both humans and animals [1; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17]....

    [...]

  • ...In a meta-analysis of 18 RCTs, Colcombe and Kramer [8] first suggested that women may show greater cognitive benefits from AT than men....

    [...]

  • ...We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL, and PsychInfo databases to identify all RCTs studying the effects of exercise on cognition....

    [...]

  • ...This finding concurs with previous RCTs [8; 24; 25]....

    [...]

  • ...suggested that longer interventions have greater impact on cognitive functioning [8]....

    [...]

Related Papers (5)