Effectiveness of exercise for improving cognition, memory and executive function

Structured aerobic and resistance exercise can enhance cognition, memory and executive function.

Context

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of exercise interventions on cognitive outcomes.
  • To identify which types of exercise provide the most significant improvement in memory and executive function.

Methods

  • Umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
  • A total of 133 systematic reviews were included, with 2,724 RCTs involving 258,279 participants, both male and female adults aged ≥18 years.

Cognitive outcome measures: 

  • MMSE, MoCA, and ADAS‑Cog for general cognition.
  • Wechsler Memory Scale and Verbal Learning Tests for memory.
  • Digit Span and Trail Making Tests (TMT‑A & B) for executive function.

Results

  • Moderate improvements in global cognition, memory and executive function were observed following aerobic exercises.
  • Resistance training (weight training using machines, free weights or body-weight exercises) showed particular benefits for executive function and working memory.
  • Combined aerobic plus resistance programmes demonstrated greater overall cognitive improvements than single-modality exercise.
  • Other modalities such as Tai Chi, yoga, dance, exergames and Baduanjin also produced positive effects, particularly for executive function and memory.
  • Older adults (>60 years) experienced the most benefit.
  • Multi-component exercise programmes were most effective, highlighting the importance of combining different types of exercise.

Reference

Hvid, L. G., Stubbs, B., & Nielsen, J. B. (2025). Effectiveness of exercise for improving cognition, memory and executive function: a systematic umbrella review and meta-meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 59(12), 866–875.

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23 February 2026

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