The DOI matches its Crossref record; 90 of the 90 references it cites were found in a registry or an index; none of the 73 sources its claims cite is checked for support yet.
Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines
Open accessAbstract
Purpose: Physical activity (PA) is known to improve cognitive and brain function, but debate continues regarding the consistency and magnitude of its effects, populations and cognitive domains most affected, and parameters necessary to achieve the greatest improvements (e.g., dose). Methods: In this umbrella review conducted in part for the 2018 Health and Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Advisory Committee, we examined whether PA interventions enhance cognitive and brain outcomes across the life span, as well as in populations experiencing cognitive dysfunction (e.g., schizophrenia). Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and pooled analyses were used. We further examined whether engaging in greater amounts of PA is associated with a reduced risk of developing cognitive impairment and dementia in late adulthood. Results: Moderate evidence from randomized controlled trials indicates an association between moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA and improvements in cognition, including performance on academic achievement and neuropsychological tests, such as those measuring processing speed, memory, and executive function. Strong evidence demonstrates that acute bouts of moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA have transient benefits for cognition during the postrecovery period after exercise. Strong evidence demonstrates that greater amounts of PA are associated with a reduced risk of developing cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer’s disease. The strength of the findings varies across the life span and in individuals with medical conditions influencing cognition. Conclusions: There is moderate-to-strong support that PA benefits cognitive functioning during early and late periods of the life span and in certain populations characterized by cognitive deficits.
Overview
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Written from the paper’s full text.
TL;DR
This umbrella review for the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee concludes there is moderate-to-strong evidence that physical activity benefits cognition and brain outcomes across parts of the lifespan and in some clinical populations. Evidence is strongest for acute cognitive benefits, reduced risk of cognitive impairment/dementia with greater physical activity, and effects in preadolescent children and older adults.
Key findings
- Moderate evidence from randomized controlled trials indicates moderate-to-vigorous physical activity improves cognition, including academic achievement and neuropsychological tests of processing speed, memory, and executive function.
- Strong evidence shows acute bouts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity produce transient post-exercise cognitive benefits; acute executive-function effects were larger in preadolescent children (Hedges’ g = 0.54 [0.21, 0.87]) and older adults (0.67 [0.40, 0.93]) than adolescents (0.04 [−0.14, 0.23]) and young adults (0.20 [0.07, 0.34]).
- Strong evidence from prospective observational studies links greater physical activity to reduced risk of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease: one meta-analysis of 15 prospective studies with >33,000 participants found a 38% reduced risk of cognitive decline, and another of 10 prospective studies with >20,000 participants found a 40% reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
- Evidence grades varied by population: Moderate for children 6–13 years and older adults >50 years; Limited for adolescents; Not Assignable for children ≤6 years and young/middle-aged adults 18–50 years; Moderate for several clinical populations; and insufficient/Not Assignable for optimal dose parameters.
Methods
- Umbrella review conducted in part for the 2018 Health and Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Advisory Committee, using systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and pooled analyses.
- Searches in PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane included English-language systematic reviews, meta-analyses, or pooled analyses published 2003 to February 2017, with an updated search adding 44 studies from 2017–2018; 76 articles were identified (35 meta-analyses; 41 systematic reviews).
- Evidence was graded as Not Assignable, Limited, Moderate, or Strong; studies of non-ambulatory people, hospitalized patients, or animals were excluded, and the protocol was registered at PROSPERO #CRD42018095774.
Limitations
- The paper states significant heterogeneity in study designs, cognitive instruments, lack of consistent reporting of blinding and adherence/compliance, poor descriptions of whether interventions maintained moderate-intensity physical activity, and variability in physical activity measurement.
- The paper states insufficient data on optimal dose parameters, few high-quality data in adolescents and young/middle-aged adults, and that many executive-function instruments were developed for clinical diagnosis rather than detecting normative variation.
- The paper states that MCI/dementia risk evidence comes largely from prospective observational studies often using self-reported physical activity, unlike RCT-based sections; it also notes small/underpowered studies and inability to assess clinical significance in some dementia-prevention evidence. An evident limitation is that this is an umbrella review of reviews rather than a new primary-data synthesis.
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Claims the paper makes
52 Not checked yet · 34 No basis given · 12 Own interpretation · 3 Own method · 2 Own result
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In the paper
“Due to insufficient evidence, the subcommittee decided a grade was Not Assignable regarding the effect of PA on cognitive development in the early, pre-school years.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
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The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Collectively, there is Moderate evidence that PA is beneficial to cognition and brain structure and function during preadolescence.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
plaindirect- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Across the included articles, there were consistent findings indicating a small-to-moderate effect (effect sizes = 0.13-0.30) of PA on cognitive and academic outcomes.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
plaindirect- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Strong evidence demonstrates that acute bouts of moderate-to-vigorous PA have transient benefits for cognition during the post-recovery period following exercise.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Abstract > Results:
boosteddirect- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
None of the sources cited for this claim have been checked yet.
In the paper
“The greatest wealth of evidence for an effect of PA on cognitive outcomes in children was found for preadolescents.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
plaincorrelational- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: unclear — It is unclear whether the paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
A result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Moderate evidence from randomized controlled trials indicates an association between moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA and improvements in cognition, including performance on academic achievement and neuropsychological tests, such as those measuring processing speed, memory, and executive function.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Abstract > Results:
hedgedcorrelational- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Strong evidence demonstrates that greater amounts of PA are associated with a reduced risk of developing cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer’s disease.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Abstract > Results:
boostedcorrelational- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“we determined there is Limited, but promising evidence for positive effects of PA on cognition in adolescent children.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
plainconditional- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
None of the sources cited for this claim have been checked yet.
In the paper
“There is Strong evidence indicating that greater amounts of PA is associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline (51) and dementia, including AD (42).”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [51] Sofi F, Valecchi D, Bacci D, Physical activity and risk of cognitive decline: a meta-analysis of prospective studies. J Intern Med. 2011; 269(1): 107– 17. 20831630 source
- Not checked yetcites [42] Beckett MW, Ardern CI, Rotondi MA. A meta-analysis of prospective studies on the role of physical activity and the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease in older adults. BMC Geriatr. 2015; 15: 9. 25887627 PMC4333880 source
boostedcorrelational- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
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- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
None of the sources cited for this claim have been checked yet.
In the paper
“In cognitively-normal older adults, effect sizes (Hedges’ g) ranged from non-significant (15) to 0.20 (18) to 0.48 (6) or higher (14) in favor of PA.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [15] Kelly ME, Loughrey D, Lawlor BA, Robertson IH, Walsh C, Brennan S. The impact of exercise on the cognitive functioning of healthy older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing Res Rev. 2014; 16: 12– 31. 24862109 source
- Not checked yetcites [18] Wu Y, Wang Y, Burgess EO, Wu J. The effects of Tai Chi exercise on cognitive function in older adults: A meta-analysis. Journal of Sport and Health Science. 2013; 2(4): 193– 203. source
- Not checked yetcites [6] Colcombe S, Kramer AF. Fitness effects on the cognitive function of older adults: a meta-analytic study. Psychol Sci. 2003; 14(2): 125– 30. 12661673 source
plaincorrelational- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
- It may state two separate claims as one. 36
- Probably not a substantial claim. 12
None of the sources cited for this claim have been checked yet.
In the paper
“Several SRs and meta-analyses report beneficial effects (using SR criteria, Cohen’s d, or Hedges’ g) of PA on cognitive and academic outcomes (20, 21, 23, 25, 26, 29–31, 35, 36). Specifically, consistent benefits of PA were observed for executive function (21, 23, 26), attention (25), and academic achievement (20, 26), including academic behaviors (e.g., time on task) (30).”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [20] Álvarez-Bueno C, Pesce C, Cavero-Redondo I, Sánchez-López M, Garrido-Miguel M, Martínez-Vizcaíno V. Academic Achievement and Physical Activity: A Meta-analysis [Internet]. Pediatrics. 2017; 140(6) doi: 10.1542/peds.2017-1498. 29175972 source
- Not checked yetcites [21] Álvarez-Bueno C, Pesce C, Cavero-Redondo I, Sánchez-López M, Martínez-Hortelano JA, Martínez-Vizcaíno V. The Effect of Physical Activity Interventions on Children’s Cognition and Metacognition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2017; 56(9): 729– 38. 28838577 source
- Not checked yetcites [23] Bustamante EE, Williams CF, Davis CL. Physical Activity Interventions for Neurocognitive and Academic Performance in Overweight and Obese Youth: A Systematic Review. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2016; 63(3): 459– 80. 27261545 source
plaincorrelational- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“There is moderate-to-strong support that PA benefits cognitive functioning during early and late periods of the lifespan and in certain populations characterized by cognitive deficits.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Abstract > Conclusions:
boosteddirect- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The strength of the findings varies across the lifespan and in individuals with medical conditions influencing cognition.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Abstract > Results:
plaincorrelational- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
In the paper
“Yet, despite these promising results, few large-scale studies with sufficient sample sizes have examined the effects of PA interventions on hippocampal volume in older adults, leading to ambiguity about the long-term effects (75).”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [75] Frederiksen KS, Gjerum L, Waldemar G, Hasselbalch SG. Effects of Physical Exercise on Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarkers: A Systematic Review of Intervention Studies. J Alzheimers Dis. 2018; 61(1): 359– 72. 29154278
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“In sum, despite heterogeneity across studies, the majority of SRs and meta-analyses reported small-to-moderate sized effects of RCTs on cognitive performance in older adults, which were moderated by both sex and the cognitive domain assessed.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
plaindirect- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
None of the sources cited for this claim have been checked yet.
In the paper
“Effect sizes were greatest for measures of executive function (6), global cognition (18), and attention (15).”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [6] Colcombe S, Kramer AF. Fitness effects on the cognitive function of older adults: a meta-analytic study. Psychol Sci. 2003; 14(2): 125– 30. 12661673 source
- Not checked yetcites [18] Wu Y, Wang Y, Burgess EO, Wu J. The effects of Tai Chi exercise on cognitive function in older adults: A meta-analysis. Journal of Sport and Health Science. 2013; 2(4): 193– 203. source
- Not checked yetcites [15] Kelly ME, Loughrey D, Lawlor BA, Robertson IH, Walsh C, Brennan S. The impact of exercise on the cognitive functioning of healthy older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing Res Rev. 2014; 16: 12– 31. 24862109 source
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: unclear — It is unclear whether the paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
None of the sources cited for this claim have been checked yet.
In the paper
“PA is also a possible approach for managing the symptoms of dementia, indicating that PA interventions may help to improve cognition in individuals with a clinical dementia diagnosis, including AD (45, 47, 49, 50, 52, 84).”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [45] Cammisuli DM, Innocenti A, Franzoni F, Pruneti C. Aerobic exercise effects upon cognition in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Archives Italiennes de Biologie. 2017; 155(1/2): 55– 63. 28715598
- Not checked yetcites [47] Groot C, Hooghiemstra AM, Raijmakers PGHM, The effect of physical activity on cognitive function in patients with dementia: A meta-analysis of randomized control trials. Ageing Res Rev. 2016; 25: 13– 23. 26607411 source
- Not checked yetcites [49] Lee HS, Park SW, Park YJ. Effects of Physical Activity Programs on the Improvement of Dementia Symptom: A Meta-Analysis [Internet]. Bio Med Research International. 2016; available from: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2016/2920146/. doi: 10.1155/2016/2920146. PMC5081454 27819000
hedgedconditionaln = 802- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
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- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
None of the sources cited for this claim have been checked yet.
In the paper
“Reported effects were most consistent for domains of executive function (65–68), but significant benefits were also realized for processing speed, attention (although see (27) for a discrepant finding) and memory (65, 66, 68).”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [65] Chang YK, Labban JD, Gapin JI, Etnier JL. The effects of acute exercise on cognitive performance: a meta-analysis. Brain Res. 2012; 1453: 87– 101. 22480735 source
- Not checked yetcites [66] Lambourne K, Tomporowski P. The effect of exercise-induced arousal on cognitive task performance: a meta-regression analysis. Brain Res. 2010; 1341: 12– 24. 20381468 source
- Not checked yetcites [68] McMorris T, Hale BJ. Differential effects of differing intensities of acute exercise on speed and accuracy of cognition: a meta-analytical investigation. Brain Cogn. 2012; 80(3): 338– 51. 23064033 source
plaindirect- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: unclear — It is unclear whether the paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
None of the sources cited for this claim have been checked yet.
In the paper
“Overall, the findings strongly indicate that transient cognitive benefits may be derived following single acute bouts of PA. Such effects appear strongest for preadolescent children and older adults and for a PA dose of moderate intensity (65–68), with further evidence supporting 11-20 minutes in duration as the optimal range for enhancing cognitive function (65).”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [65] Chang YK, Labban JD, Gapin JI, Etnier JL. The effects of acute exercise on cognitive performance: a meta-analysis. Brain Res. 2012; 1453: 87– 101. 22480735 source
- Not checked yetcites [66] Lambourne K, Tomporowski P. The effect of exercise-induced arousal on cognitive task performance: a meta-regression analysis. Brain Res. 2010; 1341: 12– 24. 20381468 source
- Not checked yetcites [67] Ludyga S, Gerber M, Brand S, Holsboer-Trachsler E, Pühse U. Acute effects of moderate aerobic exercise on specific aspects of executive function in different age and fitness groups: A meta-analysis. Psychophysiology. 2016; 53(11): 1611– 26. 27556572 source
hedgedconditional- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
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- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“While most studies reported beneficial associations of PA on cognition, others reported less robust or even absent effects.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Discussion:
plaincorrelational- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“poor descriptions of whether the interventions were successful at maintaining moderate-intensity PA through the course of the intervention”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Discussion:
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Moderate-intensity PA is the most commonly reported dose”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Discussion:
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“In other sections of this review, the meta-analyses and SRs were primarily focused on RCTs while in the context of MCI and dementia the studies were prospective and observational and typically used self-reported measures of PA.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Discussion:
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
None of the sources cited for this claim have been checked yet.
In the paper
“Several reports find that moderate-intensity interventions of longer durations had larger effect sizes than lighter intensity and shorter duration studies.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Discussion:
hedgedcorrelational- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“there are few studies examining the impact of sedentary behavior or light intensity activity on cognitive outcomes as most RCTs manipulate moderate intensity activity and not light intensity or sedentary behaviors.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Discussion:
plaindirect- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: unclear — It is unclear whether the paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“In these observational studies, PA was often measured by self-report whereas in RCTs it was generally controlled and experimentally manipulated.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Discussion:
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Not all SRs and meta analyses were conducted using the same set of guiding principles and criteria, with some utilizing stronger theoretical and methodological approaches than others.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Discussion:
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
In the paper
“Esteban-Cornejo et al. (33) observed mixed results, such that 70% of the studies observed a positive relationship of PA (broadly defined as physical education, sport, athletic participation and exercise behavior) with cognitive or academic outcomes, 20% observed no relationship, and 10% observed a negative relationship.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [33] Esteban-Cornejo I, Tejero-Gonzalez CM, Sallis JF, Veiga OL. Physical activity and cognition in adolescents: A systematic review. J Sci Med Sport. 2015; 18(5): 534– 9. 25108657 source
plaincorrelational- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
In the paper
“Further, Zeng et al. (32) reviewed five RCTs of PA on cognitive development in children aged 4-6 years. Four of the five studies (80%) observed a positive effect of PA on attention, memory, language, and academic achievement. Similarly, they concluded that there is only preliminary evidence to support a positive effect of PA on cognition during early childhood.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [32] Zeng N, Ayyub M, Sun H, Wen X, Xiang P, Gao Z. Effects of Physical Activity on Motor Skills and Cognitive Development in Early Childhood: A Systematic Review [Internet]. BioMed Research International. 2017; doi: 10.1155/2017/2760716. PMC5745693 29387718
plainconditional- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
In the paper
“However, the authors rated six of the seven studies as having weak experimental quality and a high risk of reporting bias using PRISMA guidelines.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [24] Carson V, Hunter S, Kuzik N, Systematic review of physical activity and cognitive development in early childhood. J Sci Med Sport. 2016; 19(7): 573– 8. 26197943 source
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
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- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim.
In the paper
“Some of these effects were large (Hedges’ g=2.06 for aerobic training effects on executive functions), but were moderated by the mode of activity with larger effect sizes for aerobic training compared to resistance or multi-modal (i.e., resistance and aerobic) interventions.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [14] Barha CK, Davis JC, Falck RS, Nagamatsu LS, Liu-Ambrose T. Sex differences in exercise efficacy to improve cognition: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in older humans. Front Neuroendocrinol. 2017; 46: 71– 85. 28442274 source
plaindirect- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: unclear — It is unclear whether the paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
In the paper
“For example, measures of reasoning were significantly improved across 25 RCTs, but this effect was specific to resistance exercise (15)”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [15] Kelly ME, Loughrey D, Lawlor BA, Robertson IH, Walsh C, Brennan S. The impact of exercise on the cognitive functioning of healthy older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing Res Rev. 2014; 16: 12– 31. 24862109 source
plaindirect- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: unclear — It is unclear whether the paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
In the paper
“In one meta-analysis of 39 RCTs, PA training improved executive function, episodic memory, visuospatial function, word fluency, processing speed, and global cognitive function (14).”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [14] Barha CK, Davis JC, Falck RS, Nagamatsu LS, Liu-Ambrose T. Sex differences in exercise efficacy to improve cognition: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in older humans. Front Neuroendocrinol. 2017; 46: 71– 85. 28442274 source
plaindirect- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
None of the sources cited for this claim have been checked yet.
In the paper
“In addition, for executive functions, larger effect sizes have been reported for studies with a greater percentage of women, suggesting sex is an important moderator of the effect of PA on cognition (6, 14).”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [6] Colcombe S, Kramer AF. Fitness effects on the cognitive function of older adults: a meta-analytic study. Psychol Sci. 2003; 14(2): 125– 30. 12661673 source
- Not checked yetcites [14] Barha CK, Davis JC, Falck RS, Nagamatsu LS, Liu-Ambrose T. Sex differences in exercise efficacy to improve cognition: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in older humans. Front Neuroendocrinol. 2017; 46: 71– 85. 28442274 source
hedgedcorrelational- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
None of the sources cited for this claim have been checked yet.
In the paper
“In patients with both acute and chronic stroke, PA improves global cognition, attention, memory, and visuospatial abilities (53, 64).”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [53] Zheng G, Zhou W, Xia R, Tao J, Chen L. Aerobic Exercises for Cognition Rehabilitation following Stroke: A Systematic Review. Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases. 2016; 25(11): 2780– 9. 27554073 source
- Not checked yetcites [64] Oberlin LE, Waiwood AM, Cumming TB, Marsland AL, Bernhardt J, Erickson KI. Effects of Physical Activity on Poststroke Cognitive Function: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Stroke. 2017; 48(11): 3093– 100. 28931620 PMC5784766 source
plaindirect- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
In the paper
“Further, increases in brain volume and connectivity and elevated levels of serum BDNF are observed following 8 weeks to 6 months of PA in individuals with schizophrenia (70).”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [70] Firth J, Cotter J, Carney R, Yung AR. The pro-cognitive mechanisms of physical exercise in people with schizophrenia. Br J Pharmacol. 2017; 174(19): 3161– 72. 28261797 PMC5595765 source
plaindirect- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: unclear — It is unclear whether the paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
In the paper
“However, the meta-analysis included children with ASD, ADHD, or both disorders (overall Hedges’ g = 0.24) and, as such, it is difficult to interpret effects of PA on ASD alone (41).”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [41] Tan BWZ, Pooley JA, Speelman CP. A Meta-Analytic Review of the Efficacy of Physical Exercise Interventions on Cognition in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. J Autism Dev Disord. 2016; 46(9): 3126– 43. 27412579 source
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
In the paper
“For example, one meta-analysis of 18 RCTs from 802 dementia patients reported an overall standardized mean difference of 0.42; this effect was also significant for individuals with AD (N=8 studies) or in studies that combined AD and non-AD dementias (N=7) (47).”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [47] Groot C, Hooghiemstra AM, Raijmakers PGHM, The effect of physical activity on cognitive function in patients with dementia: A meta-analysis of randomized control trials. Ageing Res Rev. 2016; 25: 13– 23. 26607411 source
plaincorrelationaln = 802- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
In the paper
“In schizophrenia, moderate-to-vigorous PA interventions improve global cognition, working memory, and attention, with an average Hedges’ g of 0.43 (58).”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [58] Firth J, Stubbs B, Rosenbaum S, Aerobic Exercise Improves Cognitive Functioning in People With Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Schizophr Bull. 2017; 43(3): 546– 56. 27521348 PMC5464163
plaindirect- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
In the paper
“One additional SR published after the PAGAC search was completed examined the effects of PA interventions (of any type) lasting at least 6 months on delaying cognitive impairment in currently undiagnosed individuals (44). The authors concluded that there was insufficient evidence that PA could be used for dementia prevention.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [44] Brasure M, Desai P, Davila H, Physical Activity Interventions in Preventing Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer-Type Dementia: A Systematic Review. Ann Intern Med. 2018; 168(1): 30– 8. 29255839 source
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim.
None of the sources cited for this claim have been checked yet.
In the paper
“In studies examining effects of PA in ADHD, the effect sizes (Hedges’ g) ranged from 0.18 to 0.77 in favor of PA improving cognitive performance (39–41). The cognitive domains most commonly affected included attention and executive function (e.g., inhibition, impulsivity) (39, 41).”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [39] Cerrillo-Urbina AJ, García-Hermoso A, Sánchez-López M, Pardo-Guijarro MJ, Gómez JL Santos, Martínez-Vizcaíno V. The effects of physical exercise in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials. Child Care Health Dev. 2015; 41(6): 779– 88. 25988743 source
- Not checked yetcites [41] Tan BWZ, Pooley JA, Speelman CP. A Meta-Analytic Review of the Efficacy of Physical Exercise Interventions on Cognition in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. J Autism Dev Disord. 2016; 46(9): 3126– 43. 27412579 source
plaindirect- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: unclear — It is unclear whether the paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
None of the sources cited for this claim have been checked yet.
In the paper
“and other studies indicate that very light-, light-, and moderate-intensity PA benefited cognition, but hard-, very hard-, and maximal-intensity PA demonstrated no benefit (65, 80).”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [65] Chang YK, Labban JD, Gapin JI, Etnier JL. The effects of acute exercise on cognitive performance: a meta-analysis. Brain Res. 2012; 1453: 87– 101. 22480735 source
- Not checked yetcites [80] Brown BM, Rainey-Smith SR, Castalanelli N, Study protocol of the Intense Physical Activity and Cognition study: The effect of high-intensity exercise training on cognitive function in older adults. Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions. 2017; 3(4): 562– 70. 29124115 PMC5671630 source
hedgeddirect- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: unclear — It is unclear whether the paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
In the paper
“PA bouts lasting 11-20 minutes demonstrated the greatest benefits, with bouts lasting less than 11 minutes or more than 20 minutes having smaller effects on cognition (65).”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [65] Chang YK, Labban JD, Gapin JI, Etnier JL. The effects of acute exercise on cognitive performance: a meta-analysis. Brain Res. 2012; 1453: 87– 101. 22480735 source
boosteddirect- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
What the paper did — it cites no source for this, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The protocol for this review was registered at PROSPERO #CRD42018095774.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Methods:
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
In the paper
“Findings further indicated that increased BDNF concentrations were observed following longer bout durations (>30 min relative to <30 min) in those who had higher cardiorespiratory fitness (i.e., > VO2 peak), and that the findings were selective to males (although 75% of participants across studies were male) (74).”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [74] Dinoff A, Herrmann N, Swardfager W, Lanctôt KL. The effect of acute exercise on blood concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in healthy adults: a meta-analysis. Eur J Neurosci. 2017; 46(1): 1635– 46. 28493624 source
hedgedcorrelational- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: unclear — It is unclear whether the paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
In the paper
“Myers et al., (63) reported that 7 of 11 RCTs indicated improved cognitive function due to PA (aerobic, resistance, mindfulness-based exercise, or a combination of PA modes). However, only two of the studies used objective measures of cognition (63).”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [63] Myers JS, Erickson KI, Sereika SM, Bender CM. Exercise as an Intervention to Mitigate Decreased Cognitive Function From Cancer and Cancer Treatment: An Integrative Review [Internet]. Cancer Nurs. 2017; doi: 10.1097/NCC.0000000000000549. PMC5975081 29194066 source
plaindirect- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“These findings are important and relevant to the Physical Guidelines for Americans because they suggest that the benefits of engaging in PA can be seen immediately (i.e., following an acute bout) and accumulate over time (i.e., following more chronic PA behavior).”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
hedgeddirect- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
What the paper did — it cites no source for this, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Titles, abstracts, and full-text articles were independently screened by two reviewers. Disagreement between reviewers was resolved by discussion or by a third person.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Methods:
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
In the paper
“Although effects were observed across the lifespan, larger effects (Hedges’ g) were realized for preadolescent children (0.54 [0.21, 0.87]) and older adults (0.67 [0.40, 0.93]) relative to adolescents (0.04 [−0.14, 0.23]) and young adults (0.20 [0.07, 0.34]) for executive function (67).”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [67] Ludyga S, Gerber M, Brand S, Holsboer-Trachsler E, Pühse U. Acute effects of moderate aerobic exercise on specific aspects of executive function in different age and fitness groups: A meta-analysis. Psychophysiology. 2016; 53(11): 1611– 26. 27556572 source
plaincorrelational- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
What the paper did — it cites no source for this, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The inclusion criteria were pre-defined”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Methods:
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
In the paper
“One meta-analysis in older adults (6) reported that larger effects were observed in RCTs in which PA bouts lasted 46-60 minutes (compared to bout lasting 15-30 minutes and 31-45 minutes) and in interventions lasting for at least 6 months.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Results: > Chronic PA behavior
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [6] Colcombe S, Kramer AF. Fitness effects on the cognitive function of older adults: a meta-analytic study. Psychol Sci. 2003; 14(2): 125– 30. 12661673 source
plaincorrelational- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: unclear — It is unclear whether the paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Indeed, it is likely that all of these factors are enhancing different aspects of brain health.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Discussion:
hedgedconditional- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: fails — It may be too vague to check against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“such findings may serve to promote better cognitive function in healthy individuals, and improve cognitive function in those suffering from certain cognitive and brain disorders.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Discussion:
hedgedconditional- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“PA might be modifying sleep behaviors which in turn improve cognitive function.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Discussion:
hedgedconditional- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: fails — The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“there are many possible mechanisms by which PA influences brain health”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Discussion:
hedgedconditional- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: fails — It may be too vague to check against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“These findings may lead to more informed policies about using PA to improve and shape cognitive function across the lifespan.”
§ Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines > Discussion:
hedgedconditional- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: fails — It may be too vague to check against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.
The paper relies on this without support.
Many executive function instruments are traditional neuropsychological tools designed for clinical diagnosis rather than for measuring normative individual differences.
“many of the instruments used to assess executive functioning are traditional neuropsychological tools that were primarily developed to aid in clinical diagnosis rather than to assess individual variation in normative cognitive functioning.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Self-reported physical activity measures used in prospective observational studies are valid indicators of actual physical activity.
“the studies were prospective and observational and typically used self-reported measures of PA”
The paper relies on this without support.
The positive effects observed in the reviewed literature are not primarily due to publication bias or selective reporting.
“Yet, despite these limitations and heterogeneity, we argue that the consistency of effects and of effect sizes across populations (16, 26), durations of PA (including acute bouts), intensities, comorbid conditions (58), and ages (12) is truly remarkable”
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
The check wasn’t confident either way, so it gives no verdict — never disputed.
In the citing paper
“Emerging empirical evidence suggests socially engaging activities such as mindfulness and physical exercise can facilitate the psycho-cognitive process of coping and reduce stress8–10.”
From A randomized clinical trial of mindfulness meditation versus exercise in Parkinson’s disease during social unrest (2023) · cites this paper as [8]
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredIn the citing paper
“There is evidence that physical activity interventions, including those of moderate to vigorous intensity, improve brain structure and function as well as cognitive and academic performance.75–79”
From Physical activity and health in Chinese children and adolescents: expert consensus statement (2020) (2020) · cites this paper as [76]
Citations
Cites
(1985) · Europe PMC (PubMed Central) · Cited by 9,143
Self-citationFitness Effects on the Cognitive Function of Older Adults: A Meta-Analytic Study
Colcombe, S., & Kramer, A. F. (2003) · Psychological Science · doi:10.1111/1467-9280.t01-1-01430 · Cited by 3,782
Neural consequences of enviromental enrichment
van Praag, H., Kempermann, G., & Gage, F. H. (2000) · Nature Reviews Neuroscience · doi:10.1038/35044558 · Cited by 2,468
Poitras, V. J., Gray, C. E., Borghese, M. M., Carson, V., Chaput, J.-P., Janssen, I., Katzmarzyk, P. T., Pate, R. R., Connor Gorber, S., Kho, M. E., et al. (2016) · Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism · doi:10.1139/apnm-2015-0663 · Cited by 2,217
The effects of acute exercise on cognitive performance: a meta-analysis
Chang, Y. K., Labban, J. D., Gapin, J. I., & Etnier, J. L. (2012) · Brain Research · doi:10.1016/j.brainres.2012.02.068 · Cited by 1,930
Donnelly, J. E., Hillman, C. H., Castelli, D., Etnier, J. L., Lee, S., Tomporowski, P., Lambourne, K., & Szabo-Reed, A. N. (2016) · Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise · doi:10.1249/mss.0000000000000901 · Cited by 1,864
Self-citationSmith, P. J., Blumenthal, J. A., Hoffman, B. M., Cooper, H., Strauman, T. A., Welsh-Bohmer, K., Browndyke, J. N., & Sherwood, A. (2010) · Psychosomatic Medicine · doi:10.1097/psy.0b013e3181d14633 · Cited by 1,714
Northey, J. M., Cherbuin, N., Pumpa, K. L., Smee, D. J., & Rattray, B. (2018) · British Journal of Sports Medicine · doi:10.1136/bjsports-2016-096587 · Cited by 1,380
Physical activity and risk of cognitive decline: a meta-analysis of prospective studies
Sofi, F., Valecchi, D., Bacci, D., Abbate, R., Gensini, G. F., Casini, A., & Macchi, C. (2011) · Journal of Internal Medicine · doi:10.1111/j.1365-2796.2010.02281.x · Cited by 1,210
The effect of exercise-induced arousal on cognitive task performance: a meta-regression analysis
Lambourne, K., & Tomporowski, P. (2010) · Brain Research · doi:10.1016/j.brainres.2010.03.091 · Cited by 1,105
Cited by
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Regulation of cerebral blood flow in humans: physiology and clinical implications of autoregulation
Claassen, J. A. H. R., Thijssen, D. H. J., Panerai, R. B., & Faraci, F. M. (2021) · Physiological Reviews · doi:10.1152/physrev.00022.2020 · Cited by 1,005
Reynolds, C. F., Jeste, D. V., Sachdev, P. S., & Blazer, D. G. (2022) · World Psychiatry · doi:10.1002/wps.20996 · Cited by 465
Effects of Exercise on Brain and Cognition Across Age Groups and Health States
Stillman, C. M., Esteban‐Cornejo, I., Brown, B. M., Bender, C. M., & Erickson, K. I. (2020) · Trends in Neurosciences · doi:10.1016/j.tins.2020.04.010 · Cited by 444
Self-citationPhysical Activity and Brain Health
Liegro, C. M. D., Schiera, G., Proia, P., & Liegro, I. D. (2019) · Genes · doi:10.3390/genes10090720 · Cited by 451
Active Aging and Public Health: Evidence, Implications, and Opportunities
Dogra, S., Dunstan, D. W., Sugiyama, T., Stathi, A., Gardiner, P. A., & Owen, N. G. (2021) · Annual Review of Public Health · doi:10.1146/annurev-publhealth-052620-091107 · Cited by 389
“Acute and long-term physical activity interventions lead to improved brain structure and function in older adults (46).”
Background
Metadata
- Authors
- ERICKSON, K. I., HILLMAN, C., STILLMAN, C. M., BALLARD, R. M., BLOODGOOD, B., CONROY, D. E., MACKO, R., MARQUEZ, D. X., PETRUZZELLO, S. J., & POWELL, K. E.
- Affiliations
- University of Pittsburgh (US)
- Northeastern University (US)
- National Institutes of Health (US)
- ICF International (United States) (US)
- Pennsylvania State University (US)
- University of Maryland, Baltimore (US)
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, Center for Research on Health and Aging, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL;
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (US)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US)
- ORCID
- Venue
- Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
- Published
- 2019-06
- Volume
- 51
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 1242-1251
- ISSN
- 0195-9131 (ISSN-L)
- 1530-0315
- PMC
- PMC6527141
- OpenAlex
- W2945893642
- Semantic Scholar
- 5df02efd8ae227b52469cad8c7d2d54a96eb7e37
- Cited by
- 1,214
- References
- 89
- Citations by year
- 2026: 184 · 2025: 216 · 2024: 217 · 2023: 201 · 2022: 176 · 2021: 131 · 2020: 73 · 2019: 12
- FWCI
- 11.51
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- green
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Locations
- Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
- Funders
- National Institutes of Health (Z99 OD999999)
- National Institute on Aging (P30AG024827, P30AG028747)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Physical Activity and Health
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology (medical) › Cardiovascular and exercise physiology
- Keywords
- physical activity, cognitive function, brain function, moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise, acute exercise effects, processing speed, memory, executive function, academic performance, cognitive impairment, dementia risk, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, lifespan, exercise dose
- MeSH terms
- Aging, Brain, Cognition, Cognition Disorders, Humans, Physical Fitness, Exercise, Practice Guidelines as Topic, Risk Reduction Behavior
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
A language model drew the claims from the paper on 2026-10-08, under version 3 of the claim definition (model deepseek-v4.1-flash, prompt extract-v3).
A second model labelled each claim on 2026-10-08 (model jev-1.13-20260917, definition revision gold-guideline-v0.2).
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
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