New research from the University of South Australia (UniSA) confirms that any form of exercise — whether a brisk walk, yoga or weight training — can enhance brain function and memory across all ages.
In the largest umbrella review to date, researchers analysed 133 systematic reviews, covering 2724 randomised control trials and 258,279 participants.
The study found that:
- Low-to-moderate-intensity exercise has greatest cognitive benefits.
- Children and adolescents showed the greatest improvements in memory.
- People with ADHD experiences the biggest gains in executive function, including focus and impulse control.
- Mind-body exercises like yoga and Tai Chi provide the most significant memory benefits.
- Exergames (active video games), like Pokémon Go, are highly effective for general cognition.
Dr Ben Singh, lead researcher at UniSA, highlights the accessibility of exercise for cognitive health.
“What this study confirms is that even low-intensity exercise […] can improve cognition, making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities.”
Senior researcher Professor Carol Maher emphasises the study’s public health implications.
“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.”
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