Exploring Cognitively Loaded Physical Activity Compared With Control to Improve Global Cognitive Function in Older Community-Dwelling Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

Kristina Zawaly; Richard Fortier; Stephen Buetow; Lynette Tippett; Ngaire Kerse

doi:10.1177/1559827619876887

Exploring Cognitively Loaded Physical Activity Compared With Control to Improve Global Cognitive Function in Older Community-Dwelling Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

Am J Lifestyle Med. 2019 Sep 27;16(1):141-149. doi: 10.1177/1559827619876887. eCollection 2022 Jan-Feb.

Authors

Kristina Zawaly^{1

2

3}, Richard Fortier^{1

2

3}, Stephen Buetow^{1

2

3}, Lynette Tippett^{1

2

3}, Ngaire Kerse^{1

2

3}

Affiliations

¹ Department of General Practice & Primary Health Care (KZ, RF, SB, NK), University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
² Department of Psychology (LT), University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
³ Department of Family Medicine, University of McGill, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (KZ, RF).

Abstract

Objective: A systematic review with a meta-analysis explored effects of cognitively loaded physical activity interventions on global cognition in community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years of age) experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), compared to any control.

Methods: A literature search was conducted in 4 databases (MEDLINE [OvidSP], PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [Wiley]) from inception until January 30, 2018. The meta-analysis was conducted with Review Manager 5.3.

Results: Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 547 participants were identified. The interventions ranged from 4 to 52 weeks. Baseline and initial follow-up assessments were used. The primary pooled analysis of all RCTs demonstrated a nonsignificant trivial effect (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.44 to 0.58) favoring the intervention. In pooled subanalysis of 4 RCTs (n = 405) using the same global cognition measure (Mini-Mental State Examination) and duration of intervention >12 weeks, the intervention group achieved a small but significant improvement for global cognition (SMD 0.45, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.75).

Conclusion: When all the RCTs were pooled, the effect of cognitively loaded physical activity intervention on global cognitive function in older adults with MCI remained unclear. The subgroup analysis provides translation evidence for future RCT study designs.

Keywords: cognition; cognitive dysfunction; exercise; meta-analysis.