Does Exercise Make You Smarter?
Exercise & Brain Health: What the Latest Research Reveals
Exercise and Brain Health: How Any Physical Activity Boosts Your Cognition
It does not matter what age you are or how tough your exercise plan is, whatever physical activity you are doing is likely improving your brain, according to the largest and most comprehensive umbrella review conducted to date. But which age groups experience the greatest benefits in memory and executive function?
How Exercise Benefits All Ages
The data shows children and adolescents experience the greatest benefits in memory, while the highest gains in executive function, which involves planning and problem-solving, are seen in people with ADHD. When considering cognition overall, every age group showed similar results. These benefits did not differ based on exercise intensity, duration, or how frequently you exercised.
Even video games that require physical movement can boost your brain. Some of the best outcomes for cognition and memory were linked to exergames, such as Pokemon Go, as well as mind-body activities like Tai Chi.
"This is an encouraging finding, as it suggests that engaging, low-impact activities can offer real cognitive benefits," says lead author and health researcher Ben Singh from the University of South Australia.
All Types of Exercise Make a Difference
"Most forms of exercise appear effective," Singh and his team explain, "including light-intensity activities, exergaming, and mind-body practices such as yoga and Tai Chi, making exercise an accessible and versatile intervention."
The meta-meta-analysis combines 133 systematic reviews, covering 2,724 randomized controlled trials and more than a quarter of a million participants. This vast pool of data provides an unprecedented look at the relationship between exercise and cognition.
A Strong Case for Movement
Previous studies have shown that even short bouts of physical exercise can improve memory and learning in the short term and possibly in the long term. Until now, many reviews focused on specific types of activity or groups of people.
"While each of these reviews has provided valuable insight into the impact that exercise can have on cognitive function and memory," write the authors of the new meta-meta-analysis, "…there is a need to comprehensively evaluate the impact of all exercises on general cognition, memory, and executive function across all populations."
The only other umbrella review found previously focused only on healthy individuals and concluded that the effects of exercise on cognition were inconclusive. This new review includes both healthy and unhealthy participants of all ages using randomized controlled trials, which are designed to identify true effects.
Which Exercises Provide the Best Results
When Singh and his colleagues reviewed 107 meta-analyses, they found exercise significantly improved general cognition across all age groups and exercise types. When they divided cognition into memory and executive function, differences between subgroups became clearer.
Some of the most positive cognitive outcomes came from exercises emphasizing complex movement patterns, such as yoga, Tai Chi, and exergames. These low-intensity exercises may be providing a unique brain workout.
The authors note that many trials assessed cognition by focusing on impairment rather than differences in individual performance. This could indicate ceiling effects, meaning everyone improves to a certain level, though some individuals may benefit more than others.
"This review provides robust evidence for healthcare practitioners to confidently recommend exercise as an effective intervention for enhancing general cognition, memory, and executive function in patients of all ages and health statuses," write the authors.
"While the evidence base highlights the need for further high-quality studies to confirm and refine these findings, this review provides strong support for the role of exercise in promoting cognitive function and overall health."
Your call to action for exercise and brain health
To enhance your cognitive function, begin incorporating regular physical activity into your lifestyle. Whether it is walking, yoga, exergames, or any activity that gets you moving, all forms of exercise can positively influence your brain health. Choose activities you enjoy, as this will help you remain consistent. Low-intensity exercises can be just as effective as high-intensity workouts, making it easier to find a routine that fits your schedule. Start today and give your brain the opportunity to thrive at any age.
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Study Links:
https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/59/12/866
https://www.unisa.edu.au/media-centre/Releases/2025/exercise-of-any-kind-boosts-brainpower-at-any-age/
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-55895-0_11
https://www.nature.com/articles/s44271-024-00124-2
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.3233/JAD-230740
https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0165178124003937
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-023-01554-4