A major new study has convincingly reinforced the case for exercise as a major contributor to brain health.
A team of researchers at the University of South Australia has found that regular exercise improves general cognition, memory and executive function in children, adults and older people, in both healthy individuals and those with clinical conditions.
In the largest, most comprehensive umbrella review to date, they synthesised findings from 133 systematic reviews, covering 2724 randomised controlled trials and 258,279 participants.
Lead researcher, Dr Ben Singh, said that exercise had a profound effect on physical health and benefited brain function.
What this study confirmed, he said, was that even low-intensity exercise – like yoga or walking – can improve cognition, making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
“In particular, we found that benefits were delivered quickly – with clear gains within 1–3 months, highlighting that even small bursts of activity can make a big difference," he said.
"It also signals that trying out new activities could play a key role in keeping the brain engaged and active.
“For children and teens, exercise was especially beneficial for developing memory, while for people with ADHD, it helped improve focus, reduced impulsivity, and enhanced executive function."
The researchers concluded that their findings suggest that clinicians and public health practitioners can confidently recommend regular physical activity as a strategy to support cognitive health across the lifespan.
According to senior researcher Professor Carol Maher, exercise should be encouraged as a cognitive health strategy across all ages and fitness levels.
“Cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases are growing global health concerns, underscoring the urgent need to identify effective strategies to preserve and enhance cognitive function across the lifespan,” she said.
“This study presents compelling evidence that exercise should be integrated into healthcare and education settings to promote cognitive well-being.
“Knowing that even small amounts of exercise can improve memory and brain function – especially for those at higher risk – presents a clear opportunity for exercise to be included in clinical and public health guidelines.”
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