The influence of chronic exercise intervention on the executive function of children with neurodevelopmental disorders: a meta-analysis
Abstract
Background: This meta-analysis examined whether chronic exercise interventions can improve executive function in children with neurodevelopmental disorders and aimed to identify the conditions under which these benefits are most pronounced. Although the review was framed within the broader category of neurodevelopmental disorders, the available randomized controlled evidence was mainly concentrated on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Therefore, the findings should be interpreted primarily in relation to these two diagnostic groups rather than the full spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Methods: A systematic search of six major databases was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials examining the effects of chronic exercise interventions on executive function in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Thirteen randomized controlled trials involving 527 children were included, comprising 10 studies on children with ADHD and 3 studies on children with ASD. Executive function outcomes were synthesized across three core domains: inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. Effect sizes were pooled using a random-effects model, and subgroup analyses were performed according to exercise type, intervention duration, exercise intensity, diagnostic subtype, and control condition.
Results: The pooled results showed that chronic exercise produced a moderate overall improvement in executive function.…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 527 participants or records.
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