ReviewChild and adolescent psychiatry and mental health2026
Optimal dose and type of physical activity for enhancing executive functions in children and adolescents: a network meta-analysis.
Review in Child and adolescent psychiatry and mental health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
objectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of different physical activity (PA) types on executive functions (EFs) in children (6-12 years) and adolescents (13-18 years).
methodsData were analyzed using Bayesian network meta-analysis combined with model-based dose-response modeling. PA dose was standardized to metabolic equivalent of task minutes per week (METs-min/week). Effect sizes were estimated using standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% credible intervals (CrIs). Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool, and certainty of evidence was evaluated with CINeMA. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023422762).
resultsDance was identified as the most effective PA for enhancing working memory accuracy (SMD = 0.64, 95% CrI: 0.20 to 1.07) and cognitive flexibility reaction time (SMD = - 0.99, 95% CrI: - 1.91 to - 0.06) at optimal doses of 500 METs-min/week and 150 METs-min/week, respectively. Mixed exercise significantly improved inhibitory control accuracy (SMD = 0.52, 95% CrI: 0.21 to 0.82) at an optimal dose of 1500 METs-min/week. The certainty of evidence varied, with moderate confidence for some outcomes and low to very low confidence for others.
conclusionsThese findings highlight the importance of structured PA interventions optimized according to the most effective PA modality and dosage thresholds for improving specific executive function components. Such tailored PA programs may provide a more effective approach for enhancing cognitive development in children and adolescents.
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