A comprehensive umbrella review published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine on March 28, 2025, confirms that exercise enhances brain function across all age groups.

The review analyzed 133 systematic reviews and over 2,724 randomized controlled trials, involving more than a quarter of a million participants, establishing a strong link between exercise and cognitive benefits.

Key findings showed significant improvements in general cognition across various exercise modalities, although specific improvements in memory and executive function varied by activity type.

Lead researcher Ben Singh from the University of South Australia emphasizes that low-impact activities can yield substantial cognitive benefits, making exercise an accessible intervention for all.

Even light-intensity activities and 'exergames' like Pokemon Go, as well as mind-body practices such as Tai Chi and yoga, were found to positively impact cognition and memory.

Children and adolescents showed the most significant improvements in memory, while individuals with ADHD experienced the greatest gains in executive function, which includes planning and problem-solving.

The authors suggest that while some individuals may experience greater benefits from exercise, improvements are generally observed across the board up to a certain limit, indicating potential 'ceiling effects' in cognitive enhancements from physical activity.

This study provides strong evidence for healthcare practitioners to recommend exercise as an effective intervention for improving cognitive function and overall health, while also calling for more high-quality studies to further validate these findings.

The review highlights that previous studies often focused on specific exercises for particular populations, but this new meta-analysis comprehensively evaluates the effects of all types of exercise on cognition across diverse age groups and health statuses.