Effect of Physical Activity on Cognitive Function of Patients With Alzheimer's Disease: A Meta-analysis.
Physical activity (PA) is a widely accepted non-pharmacological therapy for patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Existing studies have demonstrated that PA can improve cognitive function in AD patients. However, few of the meta-analyses conducted to date have included participants with a confirmed AD diagnosis that meets standardized diagnostic criteria, nor have they systematically evaluated the interactions between different intervention parameters. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the effects of PA on cognitive function improvement in AD patients, and how different intervention parameters may influence the effect sizes.
Two investigators independently conducted systematic searches in four international databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library) and two Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure [CNKI] and VIP Database [VIP]) while adhering to PRISMA guidelines. The search was limited to randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and covered each database from its inception to March 31, 2025. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using criteria from the Cochrane Handbook 5.1.0. All analyses were performed using Stata 15.0.
The meta-analysis included 13 RCTs with a total of 813 AD patients. PA significantly improved Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores in AD patients (Weighted Mean Difference [WMD] = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.03 to 2.55, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that interventions with moderate intensity (WMD = 2.12), a single session duration of 30 min (WMD = 2.15), a frequency of >3 times per week (WMD = 3.03), a total weekly intervention time of >120 min (WMD = 2.10), and a total intervention duration of >12 weeks (WMD = 1.95) significantly improved MMSE scores. Meta-regression analysis revealed that intervention frequency (p < 0.001) and total intervention duration (p = 0.002) were significantly correlated with improved cognitive function, while the intervention intensity (p < 0.001) and single session duration (p = 0.002) showed negative correlations.
Our findings suggest that PA interventions can improve MMSE scores and enhance cognitive function in AD patients. We recommend that PA interventions for AD patients consist of moderate-intensity, a single session duration of 30 min, a frequency of >3 times per week, a total weekly intervention time of >120 min, and a total intervention duration of >12 weeks. The PROSPERO Registration: CRD420250631766. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420250631766.
Two investigators independently conducted systematic searches in four international databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library) and two Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure [CNKI] and VIP Database [VIP]) while adhering to PRISMA guidelines. The search was limited to randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and covered each database from its inception to March 31, 2025. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using criteria from the Cochrane Handbook 5.1.0. All analyses were performed using Stata 15.0.
The meta-analysis included 13 RCTs with a total of 813 AD patients. PA significantly improved Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores in AD patients (Weighted Mean Difference [WMD] = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.03 to 2.55, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that interventions with moderate intensity (WMD = 2.12), a single session duration of 30 min (WMD = 2.15), a frequency of >3 times per week (WMD = 3.03), a total weekly intervention time of >120 min (WMD = 2.10), and a total intervention duration of >12 weeks (WMD = 1.95) significantly improved MMSE scores. Meta-regression analysis revealed that intervention frequency (p < 0.001) and total intervention duration (p = 0.002) were significantly correlated with improved cognitive function, while the intervention intensity (p < 0.001) and single session duration (p = 0.002) showed negative correlations.
Our findings suggest that PA interventions can improve MMSE scores and enhance cognitive function in AD patients. We recommend that PA interventions for AD patients consist of moderate-intensity, a single session duration of 30 min, a frequency of >3 times per week, a total weekly intervention time of >120 min, and a total intervention duration of >12 weeks. The PROSPERO Registration: CRD420250631766. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420250631766.