Mixed
Aerobic physical activity improves cognitive function in healthy older adults, with the largest effects observed on motor function and auditory attention.
Engage in regular aerobic exercise to support cognitive health, particularly focusing on activities that improve motor function and auditory attention. While aerobic exercise is beneficial, the specific mechanism (cardiovascular fitness) is not the only pathway, so consistency in physical activity is key.
The largest effects on cognitive function were found on motor function and auditory attention (effect sizes of 1.17 and 0.50 respectively).
Why this rating
Based on 11 RCTs, but the majority of comparisons yielded no significant results, and the link to fitness specifically is unproven.
Source
Physical activity and enhanced fitness to improve cognitive function in older people without known cognitive impairment
Maaike Angevaren et al. · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · 2008
DOI 10.1002/14651858.cd005381.pub3
Related findings · Mixed
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