Effects of aerobic exercise on core executive function in adults with major depressive disorder: A Systematic review and three-level meta‑analysis

Key Points

• Aerobic exercise significantly improves core executive function in adults with major depressive disorder.
• The meta-analysis indicates a medium effect size (d=0.5) across studied populations.
• This systematic review analyzes multiple studies focusing on exercise interventions and their outcomes on cognitive function.
• Findings highlight the potential of incorporating aerobic exercise into treatment plans for major depressive disorder.