Effect of physical exercise on global cognitive function in adults with mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56200/mentor.v5i2.12349Keywords:
Mild Cognitive Impairment, Physical Exercise, Cognitive Function, Older Adults, Aging, EnvejecimientoAbstract
Population aging increases the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which is associated with a higher risk of dementia, highlighting the need for non-pharmacological interventions such as physical exercise. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of structured physical exercise on overall cognitive function in adults with MCI. A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted, following PRISMA guidelines, in PubMed, EBSCO, and Cochrane CENTRAL (2016-2026). Randomized controlled trials involving adults with MCI treated with structured exercise were included, with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) as the primary outcome and a random-effects model. Six studies were included (n = 363). Exercise showed a mean difference of -2.22 points on the MoCA (95% CI: -3.34 to -1.10; p = 0.004), favoring the intervention. Four studies reported estimates favoring exercise, while two included null values. Heterogeneity was high (I² = 82%), and the prediction interval (-4.74 to 0.31) indicated variability in effects. These results suggest that structured physical exercise improves overall cognitive function in adults with MCI; however, the variability in results and methodological limitations make it difficult to determine optimal parameters.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Rosa Valeria Chagala Passi, Isaac Eduardo López Saavedra, Heider Miguel González Ramírez, Giovana Itzel Labastida Cordova, José Enrique González Turcott, María Evelina Torres García

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