Evidence mapPaperPMID 41624014Full record

SynthesisFrontiers in physiology2025

Optimal exercise modalities and dose for enhancing intelligence in children and adolescents: a Bayesian network meta-analysis.

Yan Wang, Junyu Wang, Lin Zhang, Chengji Wang, Guotuan Wang, Changdong Li, Yuan Yuan, Bopeng Qiu, Yong Yang

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Frontiers in physiology, 2025. 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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0cells of the map it votes in
0citing 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

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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

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

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.

Yan WangLaboratory of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation, School of Physical Education and Sport, Chaohu University, Hefei, China.
Junyu WangSchool of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.
Lin ZhangDepartment of Rehabilitation, West China Hospital Sichuan University Jintang Hospital, Jintang First People's Hospital, Chengdu, China.
Chengji WangLaboratory of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation, School of Physical Education and Sport, Chaohu University, Hefei, China.
Guotuan WangLaboratory of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation, School of Physical Education and Sport, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.
Changdong LiLaboratory of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation, School of Physical Education and Sport, Chaohu University, Hefei, China.
Yuan YuanDepartment of Sport Industry Studies, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Bopeng QiuDivision of Sports Science and Physical Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
Yong YangLaboratory of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation, School of Physical Education and Sport, Chaohu University, Hefei, China.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: To compare the effects of various exercise modalities on intelligence and determine the optimal exercise dose for children and adolescents. Methods: A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines was conducted. Four databases were searched up to 1 April 2025. Eligible RCTs involved participants aged 5-18 years and assessed exercise interventions with intelligence outcomes (general, fluid, or crystallized). Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with corresponding 95% confidence interval or credible intervals were calculated. Dose-response relationships were analyzed using model-based network meta-analysis. Results: Fifteen RCTs with 3,400 participants were included. Exercise was linked to small-to-moderate improvements in general (SMD = 0.59), fluid (SMD = 0.43), and crystallized intelligence (SMD = 0.64). Dual-task balance training (DTBT) produced the most consistent and significant benefits across all domains. Yoga and multi-component exercise also showed positive effects. Optimal outcomes were achieved with sessions lasting ≥117.7 min, three times weekly, totaling 220 min per week for at least 11.12 weeks. An inverted U-shaped dose-response curve indicated diminishing returns beyond the optimal frequency and duration. Conclusion: DTBT is the most effective exercise modality for improving intelligence in children and adolescents. The findings provide evidence-based guidance for designing school and clinical exercise programs to support cognitive development during growth.

Indexed as

adolescentschildrendose-response relationshipexerciseintelligence

Identifiers

PMID41624014
PMCPMC12851973

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
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.