Can exercise combined with transcranial direct current stimulation improve cognitive function in older adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study investigated whether combining exercise with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) improves overall cognition, memory, and executive function in older adults.
METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched databases including PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wan Fang for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the combined effect of exercise and tDCS on cognitive function in older adults. Used RStudio (version 4.2.0) to merge effect sizes and represent them as SMD with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The main effects are synthesized using a random effects model, and heterogeneity sources are explored through subgroup regression and sensitivity analysis.
RESULTS: The combined exercise and tDCS intervention significantly improved global cognitive function in older adults (SMD = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.36 to 0.89, p < 0.0001). Significant enhancements were observed in executive function (SMD = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.92, p = 0.005) and general cognitive ability (SMD = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.21 to 1.30, p = 0.006), while memory showed a non-significant improvement (SMD = 0.58, 95% CI: -0.03 to 1.19, p = 0.063). Both interventions lasting less than 6 weeks (SMD = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.60 to 1.27, p < 0.0001) and those lasting 6 weeks or longer (SMD = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.37, p = 0.0006) positively impacted cognitive function. However, the effect size was larger for cognitively healthy older adults (SMD = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.20 to 1.18, p = 0.006)…
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