Effect of Physical Activity on Executive Function for Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review is to provide basic data on the effects of physical activity on the executive function for older adults with a Mild Cognitive Impairment(MCI). Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, CINHAL, Medline, PsychINFO, Embase, and Cochrane was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis(PRISMA) guidelines. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane collaboration tool. Using the terms “MCI” OR “mild cognitive impairment” AND “physical activit*” OR “physical performance” OR “physical exercise*”, AND “executive function*” as the search items, 11 Randomized Controlled Trial(RCT) studies, published between 2005 and 2017, were critically appraised and synthesized. Results: Interventions were mostly provided in groups as a multicomponent program. Fitness trainers, followed by physical therapists and occupational therapists, provided the interventions. Trail Making Test(TMT)-A(21.40%) and TMT-B(17.90%) were the most common outcome measures. For a physical activity intervention, the aerobic component was the most popular(seen in eight studies, 72.70%), followed by non-aerobic(seven studies, 63.60%). The aerobic and non-aerobic components had positive effects on the executive function compared to the leisure component. Conclusion: The effects of physical activity on the executive function for older adults with an MCI were examined in this review. To thoroughly understand the effects, the physical activity along with a cognitive approach in the field of occupational therapy needs to be researched.