Effects of exercise interventions on EEG alpha power across different populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to systematically evaluate the to evaluate the effects of exercise interventions on electroencephalogram (EEG) alpha-band power across different populations.
Methods: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched from inception to June 25, 2026. Randomized controlled trials comparing an exercise intervention with a control condition and reporting EEG alpha-band power were included. Standardized mean differences were calculated as Hedges' g. Random-effects models using restricted maximum likelihood estimation and Knapp-Hartung adjustment were applied. Heterogeneity, prediction intervals, subgroup effects, intervention-duration meta-regression, influence diagnostics, recording-condition sensitivity analyses, and small-study effects were examined.
Results: Thirteen randomized controlled trials involving 497 participants were included. Exercise interventions were associated with greater EEG alpha-band power than control conditions (Hedges' g = 1.23, 95% CI [0.44, 2.02], p = 0.005), although heterogeneity was considerable (I2 = 91.56%, τ2 = 1.49) and the 95% prediction interval included the null value (-1.55 to 4.01). No significant moderation effects were observed for alpha-power metric, population type, or exercise paradigm, and intervention duration was not associated with effect size in chronic-exercise studies (β = 0.103, p = 0.142). Leave-one-out analyses yielded consistently positive results. The…
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: 497 participants or records.
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