Chronic mind-body exercises for executive functions in middle-aged and older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Executive functions (EFs) declines with age in middle-aged and older adults, and mind-body exercises (e.g., Tai Chi, Yoga, Qigong) are believed to improve these functions. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of chronic mind-body exercises on EFs in middle-aged and older adults and to examine whether intervention characteristics are associated with differential effects. A systematic search was conducted across six databases in both English and Chinese to collect RCTs on the effects of mind-body exercises on EFs in middle-aged and older adults. Data analysis was performed using metafor in R. The meta-analysis revealed a small to moderate effect size for mind-body exercises on EFs (g = -0.35, 95% CI = -0.48 to -0.21, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed significant effects for interventions with a session duration of less than 60 min (g = -0.40, 95% CI = -0.77, -0.03, p = 0.035) and exactly 60 min (g = -0.31, 95% CI = -0.43, -0.19, p < 0.001), a frequency of 3–4 sessions per week (g = -0.39, 95% CI = -0.53, -0.24, p < 0.001), and a total intervention duration of 12 weeks (g = -0.38, 95% CI = -0.51, -0.25, p < 0.001). Mind-body exercises significantly improve EFs compared to control conditions. Furthermore, the effects of mind-body exercises are moderated by session duration, frequency, and total intervention period.