Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (33): 8811-8821.doi: 10.12307/2026.392

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Effects of exercise intensity on cognitive function in different age groups: a meta-analysis

Li Bing1, Su Yu1, Quan Jialin2, Yuan Yufeng1, Wang Quanjun1, Xie Ke1, Wang Ping'an1, Yu Songyuan1   

  1. 1Physical Fitness and Health Studio, College of Physical Education, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan 512005, Guangdong Province, China; 2Graduate School of Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou 510500, Guangdong Province China
  • Received:2024-07-09 Revised:2025-10-22 Online:2026-11-28 Published:2026-06-18
  • Contact: Su Yu, PhD, Professor, Physical Fitness and Health Studio, College of Physical Education, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan 512005, Guangdong Province, China Co-corresponding author: Quan Jialin, MS, Graduate School of Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou 510500, Guangdong Province China
  • About author:Li Bing, MS, Physical Fitness and Health Studio, College of Physical Education, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan 512005, Guangdong Province, China
  • Supported by:
    Guangdong Provincial Philosophy and Social Sciences Planning Project, No. GD20YDXZTY27 (to SY); Shaoguan Municipal Philosophy and Social Sciences Planning Special Commissioned Project on Basic Education, No. W2022018 (to SY); Shaoguan Municipal Philosophy and Social Sciences Planning Project, No. G2022018 (to LB)

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of exercise intervention on cognitive function in different age groups and to explore the optimal intensity of exercise intervention for improving cognitive function in different age groups.
METHODS: Based on the PRISMA guidelines, we searched five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and CNKI) for randomized controlled trials on the effects of different exercise intensities on cognitive functions from their inception to December 2024. The Risk of Bias 2 (ROB2) tool was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. Bayesian network Meta-analysis was performed using R 4.2.0 software and JAGS 4.3.0. A random-effects model was applied, and standardized mean differences (SMDs) were used as pooled effect sizes. The optimal exercise intensities for improving outcome indicators (global cognition, memory performance, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility) were explored.
RESULTS: A total of 63 articles with 4 167 participants were included. (1) Overall cognitive function: in the age of > 45 years, moderate intensity exercise [SMD=1.34, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.83-1.85, P < 0.05] and high-intensity exercise (SMD=1.30, 95% CI=0.29-2.33, P < 0.05) significantly improved the overall cognitive level, and moderate-intensity exercise was better than high-intensity exercise. (2) Memory performance: In the age of < 18 years, moderate-intensity exercise (SMD=0.68, 95% CI=0.29-1.09, P < 0.05) significantly improved the level of memory performance. In people aged ≤ 45 years, moderate-intensity exercise (SMD=0.60, 95% CI=0.33-0.89, P < 0.05) significantly improved memory performance. In the age of > 45 years, high-intensity exercise (SMD=0.40, 95% CI=0.06-0.75, P < 0.05) significantly improved memory performance. (3) Inhibitory control: In people aged < 18 years, moderate-intensity exercise (SMD=0.56, 95% CI=0.31-0.81, P < 0.05) and high-intensity exercise (SMD=0.43, 95% CI=0.05-0.83, P < 0.05) could significantly improve the level of inhibitory control, and moderate-intensity exercise was better than high-intensity exercise. In the age of ≤ 45 years, moderate-intensity exercise (SMD=0.55, 95%CI=0.35-0.77, P < 0.05) and high-intensity exercise (SMD=0.51, 95% CI=0.19-0.85, P < 0.05) significantly improved the level of inhibitory control, and moderate-intensity exercise had a better effect than high-intensity exercise. However, there was no significant effect on the three exercise intensities in the age of > 45 years (P > 0.05). (4) Cognitive flexibility: In people aged ≤ 18 years, moderate-intensity exercise (SMD=0.62, 95% CI=0.25-1.01, P < 0.05) significantly improved cognitive flexibility. In the age of > 18 years, moderate-intensity exercise (SMD=0.47, 95% CI=0.01-1.03, P < 0.05) significantly improved cognitive flexibility.
CONCLUSION: Compared with the other exercise intensities, moderate-intensity exercise shows better effects in improving memory performance, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility in children, adolescents, and young adults. High-intensity exercise can effectively improve inhibitory control in children, adolescents, and young adults, as well as overall cognition and memory performance in middle-aged and older adults, with particularly optimal improvements in memory performance. In practical applications, factors such as exercise type, duration, and age should be comprehensively considered to select the optimal exercise intensity. 


Key words: exercise intensity, overall cognition, memory performance, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, network meta-analysis

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