Evidence mapPaperPMID 40959502Full record

SynthesisFrontiers in neurology2025

Physical activity interventions for post-stroke cognitive recovery: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of comparative effects.

Hongyu Wang, Dong Li, Shuang Li, Xiaolin Zhang, Wanli Zang, Ying Zhu, Shixuan Zhang, Feng Xu, Zixian Xiao, Kelei Guo

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Frontiers in neurology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
4citing papers in PubMed
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

4 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Review
  3. Review
  4. Review
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

10 authors.

Hongyu WangSchool of Physical Education and Health, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China.
Dong LiSchool of Physical Education and Health, Zhaoqing University, Zhaoqing, China.
Shuang LiSchool of Physical Education and Health, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China.
Xiaolin ZhangSchool of Physical Education and Health, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China.
Wanli ZangPostgraduate School, University of Harbin Sport, Harbin, China.
Ying ZhuSchool of Physical Education and Health, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China.
Shixuan ZhangSchool of Computer Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China.
Feng XuCollege of Physical Education and Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.
Zixian XiaoSchool of Physical Education and Health, Zhaoqing University, Zhaoqing, China.
Kelei GuoSchool of Physical Education and Health, Zhaoqing University, Zhaoqing, China.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: Post-stroke cognitive dysfunction imposes significant burdens on individuals and healthcare systems. Although physical activity are increasingly recognized as adjunct therapies for cognitive rehabilitation, uncertainties persist regarding their comparative effectiveness. The current evidence lacks direct or indirect comparisons of physical activity programs. This study systematically evaluated the effectiveness of intervention measures through network meta-analysis, providing reference measures for cognitive function recovery in stroke populations. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science from their inception through August 2024 to identify randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of physical activity interventions on cognitive function in stroke patients. Two independent reviewers conducted literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. Network meta-analysis was performed using Stata 15.1. Results: A total of 26 randomized controlled trials involving 1,408 participants were included in the analysis. The findings revealed that compared with routine medical care, multi-modal exercise significantly improved cognitive function (SMD = -5.58, 95% CI: -8.00 to -3.16), followed by aerobic exercise (SMD = -4.22, 95% CI: -7.04 to -1.41). The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) probabilities for the eight intervention types were as follows: multi-modal exercise (96.7%), aerobic exercise (80.9%), etc. Conclusion: Our study indicates that multi-modal exercise (e.g., combined programs integrating strength training, balance exercises, and aerobic training such as running and cycling) and high-intensity aerobic exercise show superior efficacy in enhancing cognitive recovery among stroke patients. Furthermore, while physical activity is proven to be beneficial, the major challenge remains in developing effective strategies to promote long-term adherence to regular physical activity routines. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024579294.

Indexed as

cognitive functioninterventionsnetwork meta-analysisphysical activitystroke patients

Identifiers

PMID40959502
PMCPMC12434964

What Socratic holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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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 Socratic graph.