Comparative Effects of Multicomponent Exercise on Global Cognition, Memory, and Executive Function in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Pairwise Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Purpose

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediate stage between normal aging and dementia and is associated with progressive cognitive decline. Exercise is considered a promising non-pharmacological intervention for MCI. However, the cognitive benefits of multicomponent exercise (MCE) and the exercise prescription characteristics associated with its effectiveness remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the effects of MCE on global cognition, memory, and executive function in individuals with MCI and to explore exercise prescription characteristics associated with intervention effectiveness.

Methods

A systematic review and pairwise meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251152983). Standardized mean differences were pooled using random-effects models, and subgroup analyses were performed to examine key exercise prescription characteristics.

Results

Seventeen randomized controlled trials involving 1260 participants were included. Compared with control conditions, MCE significantly improved global cognition and memory, whereas the improvement in executive function did not reach statistical significance. Subgroup analyses indicated that higher training frequency and intervention durations of 13–24 weeks were associated with greater improvements in global cognition.

Conclusion

MCE may improve global cognition and memory in individuals with MCI, whereas evidence regarding executive function remains inconclusive. Higher training frequency and intervention durations of 13–24 weeks may contribute to greater cognitive improvements. However, additional high-quality randomized controlled trials with standardized cognitive assessments are needed to further optimize exercise prescriptions.

Keywords

Mild cognitive impairment / Multicomponent exercise / Meta-analysis / Exercise prescription / Global cognition / Memory / Executive function

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Funding

Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No. 2026KYPT06)

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