Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40092068›Full record

ReviewFrontiers in neuroscience2025

Physical activity and neuroplasticity in neurodegenerative disorders: a comprehensive review of exercise interventions, cognitive training, and AI applications.

Lamia Ben Ezzdine, Wissem Dhahbi, Ismail Dergaa, Halil İbrahim Ceylan, Noomen Guelmami, Helmi Ben Saad, Karim Chamari, Valentina Stefanica, Abdelfatteh El Omri

Abstract readReview
PubMed Full text at PMC Publisher
In one paragraph

Review in Frontiers in neuroscience, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 54 papers, 6 of them syntheses that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
54citing papers in PubMed, 6 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

54 citing papers in PubMed, 6 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.

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  5. The effect of exercise on the improvement of verbal fluency, spatial working memory, and the three major executive functions in elderly alzheimer's patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology · 2025
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  12. Trehalose's untapped mechanisms in alzheimer's: gut-brain-autophagy signalling beyond the usual targets.Daru : journal of Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences · 2026
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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Lamia Ben Ezzdine *High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar Said, University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia.
Wissem Dhahbi *High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of El Kef, University of Jendouba, El Kef, Tunisia.
Ismail DergaaHigh Institute of Sport and Physical Education of El Kef, University of Jendouba, El Kef, Tunisia.
Halil İbrahim CeylanFaculty of Sports Sciences, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Türkiye.
Noomen GuelmamiHigh Institute of Sport and Physical Education of El Kef, University of Jendouba, El Kef, Tunisia.
Helmi Ben SaadHeart Failure Research Laboratory (LR12SP09), Farhat HACHED Hospital, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia.
Karim ChamariResearch and Education Department, Naufar, Wellness and Recovery Center, Doha, Qatar.
Valentina StefanicaDepartment of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sciences, Physical Education and Informatics, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, Pitesti University Center, Pitesti, Romania.
Abdelfatteh El OmriClinical Advancement Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

This review aimed to elucidate the mechanisms through which (i) physical activity (PA) enhances neuroplasticity and cognitive function in neurodegenerative disorders, and (ii) identify specific PA interventions for improving cognitive rehabilitation programs. We conducted a literature search in PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO, covering publications from January 1990 to August 2024. The search strategy employed key terms related to neuroplasticity, physical exercise, cognitive function, neurodegenerative disorders, and personalized physical activity. Inclusion criteria included original research on the relationship between PA and neuroplasticity in neurodegenerative disorders, while exclusion criteria eliminated studies focusing solely on pharmacological interventions. The review identified multiple pathways through which PA may enhance neuroplasticity, including releasing neurotrophic factors, modulation of neuroinflammation, reduction of oxidative stress, and enhancement of synaptic connectivity and neurogenesis. Aerobic exercise was found to increase hippocampal volume by 1-2% and improve executive function scores by 5-10% in older adults. Resistance training enhanced cognitive control and memory performance by 12-18% in elderly individuals. Mind-body exercises, such as yoga and tai-chi, improved gray matter density in memory-related brain regions by 3-5% and enhanced emotional regulation scores by 15-20%. Dual-task training improved attention and processing speed by 8-14% in individuals with neurodegenerative disorders. We also discuss the potential role of AI-based exercise and AI cognitive training in preventing and rehabilitating neurodegenerative illnesses, highlighting innovative approaches to personalized interventions and improved patient outcomes. PA significantly enhances neuroplasticity and cognitive function in neurodegenerative disorders through various mechanisms. Aerobic exercise, resistance training, mind-body practices, and dual-task exercises each offer unique cognitive benefits. Implementing these activities in clinical settings can improve patient outcomes. Future research should focus on creating personalized interventions tailored to specific conditions, incorporating personalized physical exercise programs to optimize cognitive rehabilitation.

Indexed as

Alzheimercognitive rehabilitationhippocampal volumeneurotrophic factorsoxidative stressParkinsonpersonalized interventionssynaptic connectivity

Identifiers

PMID40092068
PMCPMC11906675

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.