Physical exercise interventions and cognitive functions in the elderly: a systematic review

Abstract

The objective of this systematic review was to analyze and summarize the characteristics of studies evaluating the effect of physical exercise on cognitive functions in the elderly and present possible variables related to improvement in cognition. The databases consisted of Scielo, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and BVS Regional Portal, between the years 2010 and 2020. Empirical research was included, which had exercise intervention with people aged 60 years and older. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria, of which nine found an improvement effect and four a maintenance effect of physical exercise on cognitive functions. Most studies had moderate methodological quality, indicating the need for greater control of bias in future research. In addition, a dose-response effect was evidenced, indicating that high intensity and frequency of physical exercise may be associated with improvement, as well as an acute effect, in which gains are more pronounced in the first months of intervention, tending to stabilize later. This review suggests that physical exercise may be protective to cognition in the elderly