SynthesisAging clinical and experimental research2026
Chronic mind-body exercises for executive functions in middle-aged and older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Synthesis in Aging clinical and experimental research, 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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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.
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4 authors.
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Abstract
objectiveExecutive functions (EFs) declines with age in middle-aged and older adults, and mind-body exercises (e.g., Tai Chi, Yoga, Qigong) are believed to improve these functions. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of chronic mind-body exercises on EFs in middle-aged and older adults and to examine whether intervention characteristics are associated with differential effects.
methodsA systematic search was conducted across six databases in both English and Chinese to collect RCTs on the effects of mind-body exercises on EFs in middle-aged and older adults. Data analysis was performed using metafor in R.
resultsThe meta-analysis revealed a small to moderate effect size for mind-body exercises on EFs (g = -0.35, 95% CI = -0.48 to -0.21, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed significant effects for interventions with a session duration of less than 60 min (g = -0.40, 95% CI = -0.77, -0.03, p = 0.035) and exactly 60 min (g = -0.31, 95% CI = -0.43, -0.19, p < 0.001), a frequency of 3–4 sessions per week (g = -0.39, 95% CI = -0.53, -0.24, p < 0.001), and a total intervention duration of 12 weeks (g = -0.38, 95% CI = -0.51, -0.25, p < 0.001).
conclusionMind-body exercises significantly improve EFs compared to control conditions. Furthermore, the effects of mind-body exercises are moderated by session duration, frequency, and total intervention period.
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