Which cognitive tests are used to examine the acute effect of physical activity on cognition in healthy adults aged 50 and older? - A systematic review.
Saved in:
| Title: | Which cognitive tests are used to examine the acute effect of physical activity on cognition in healthy adults aged 50 and older? - A systematic review. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | De Block, Fien (AUTHOR), Van Dyck, Delfien (AUTHOR), Deforche, Benedicte (AUTHOR), Crombez, Geert (AUTHOR), Poppe, Louise (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Psychology & Health. Jul2026, Vol. 41 Issue 7, p1036-1074. 39p. |
| Subjects: | Exercise physiology, Medical information storage & retrieval systems, Exercise, Research funding, Executive function, Systematic reviews, MEDLINE, Cycling, Walking, Resistance training, Neuropsychological tests, Medical databases, Dance, Physical activity, Cognition |
| Abstract: | Objectives: The review aims to create an overview of current evidence on the acute effect of physical activity (PA) on cognition in adults aged 50 and older, focusing on which cognitive (sub)domains, cognitive tests, and outcomes are used, and whether effects were demonstrated. Methods: The MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases were searched for articles assessing the acute effect of PA on cognition in healthy adults aged 50 and older. Results: Forty-two articles were included, using a variety of protocols. Executive functioning was the most frequently assessed cognitive domain. Overall, thirty-five different cognitive tests were administered, among which many variations and modifications were found. Furthermore, the reported outcomes varied greatly, even when using the same test. Across tests, 45.3% of the reported outcomes demonstrated an improvement in cognition shortly after PA. Time-based outcomes demonstrated an improvement more often than accuracy-based outcomes. However, because of the large variety among protocols and often insufficiently nuanced reporting, results should be interpreted carefully. Conclusions: The acute effect of PA on executive functioning in older adults has been examined frequently, but research in other cognitive domains is limited. The variety among study protocols and test outcomes highlights the need for more rigorous research and reporting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Psychology & Health is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
|
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Login for full access.
|
|
| Abstract: | Objectives: The review aims to create an overview of current evidence on the acute effect of physical activity (PA) on cognition in adults aged 50 and older, focusing on which cognitive (sub)domains, cognitive tests, and outcomes are used, and whether effects were demonstrated. Methods: The MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases were searched for articles assessing the acute effect of PA on cognition in healthy adults aged 50 and older. Results: Forty-two articles were included, using a variety of protocols. Executive functioning was the most frequently assessed cognitive domain. Overall, thirty-five different cognitive tests were administered, among which many variations and modifications were found. Furthermore, the reported outcomes varied greatly, even when using the same test. Across tests, 45.3% of the reported outcomes demonstrated an improvement in cognition shortly after PA. Time-based outcomes demonstrated an improvement more often than accuracy-based outcomes. However, because of the large variety among protocols and often insufficiently nuanced reporting, results should be interpreted carefully. Conclusions: The acute effect of PA on executive functioning in older adults has been examined frequently, but research in other cognitive domains is limited. The variety among study protocols and test outcomes highlights the need for more rigorous research and reporting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 08870446 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/08870446.2025.2498577 |
