Cognitive decline is a global health concern, highlighting the importance of developing effective strategies to maintain and even improve cognitive function throughout one’s lifetime. A growing body of evidence suggests that the benefits of exercise extend beyond physical health to include cognitive health.

A recent study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine has provided the most comprehensive review to date of research on the impact of exercise on cognitive health. Their review encompassed more than 2,700 controlled trials with more than 250,000 participants.

Researchers found that regardless of age or health status, regular exercise improved executive function, memory, and/or general cognition. All exercise modalities were effective, and gains were observed irrespective of the frequency, duration, or intensity of the exercise.

Lead researcher, Ben Singh of the University of South Australia, says, “What this study confirms is that even low-intensity exercise—like yoga or walking—can improve cognition, making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities.”

Although any intensity of exercise was found to be beneficial for cognitive health, effects were generally larger for low- to moderate-intensity interventions. Further, children and adolescents experienced the greatest improvements in memory, while those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experienced the greatest improvements in executive function.

Among different types of exercise, exergames (active video games) were found to provide the most benefits for general cognition. The authors speculated that “the cognitive potency of exergaming, which likely merges physical exertion with cognitively stimulating tasks, enhancing general cognition through the dual demands of physically and mentally demanding tasks that require participants to recall movements, recognise visual and verbal cues and memorise sequences and steps.”

Mind-body exercises such as yoga and Tai Chi were found to have the most benefits for brain function and memory. The authors noted that these exercises “often involve complex movement patterns, mindfulness practices, and mental engagement that may contribute to cognitive stimulation independently of physical exertion.” For example, yoga emphasizes breath control and mind-body connection, while Tai Chi requires spatial awareness and memorizing sequences of movements.

“This study presents compelling evidence that exercise should be integrated into healthcare and education settings to promote cognitive well-being,” says Carol Maher, coauthor and senior researcher with the University of South Australia. “Knowing that even small amounts of exercise can improve memory and brain function—especially for those at higher risk—presents a clear opportunity for exercise to be included in clinical and public health guidelines.”