Aerobic exercise training effects on hippocampal volume in healthy older individuals: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of aerobic exercise training (AET) lasting ≥ 4 weeks on hippocampal volume and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in cognitively unimpaired, healthy older individuals. Random-effects robust variance estimation models were used to test differences between AET and controls, while meta-regressions tested associations between CRF and hippocampal volume changes. We included eight studies (N = 554) delivering fully supervised AET for 3 to 12 months (M = 7.8, SD = 4.5) with an average AET volume of 129.85 min/week (SD = 45.5) at moderate-to-vigorous intensity. There were no significant effects of AET on hippocampal volume (SMD = 0.10, 95% CI - 0.01 to 0.21, p = 0.073), but AET moderately improved CRF (SMD = 0.30, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.48, p = 0.005). Improvement in CRF was not associated with changes in hippocampal volume (b_SE = 0.05, SE = 0.51, p = 0.923). From the limited number of studies, AET does not seem to impact hippocampal volume in cognitively unimpaired, healthy older individuals. Notable methodological limitations across investigations might mask the lack of effects.

Keywords: Aerobic exercise; Hippocampus; Meta-analysis; Older individuals.

Fig. 1

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram

Fig. 2

Forest plots for individual and pooled effect sizes (A, B) for hippocampal volume and cardiorespiratory fitness and assessment of and asymmetry of effect sizes (C, D). Abbreviations: HIIT high-intensity interval training; MICT moderate-intensity continuous training