Exercise effects on cognitive function and molecular markers in post-stroke patients with cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 42201410 · doi:10.1007/s10072-026-09135-9
What was done
Authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials published from January 1, 2000, to March 6, 2025, across seven databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Wanfang, CNKI, CSTJ, and China Medical Information Database). They assessed the effects of different exercise modalities on cognitive function, motor function, activities of daily living, and serum molecular biomarkers (BDNF, GSH, NSE, and IL-6) in patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). Methodological quality was appraised using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, and data were synthesized with Review Manager.
What was found
Across 44 RCTs with 4,450 patients with PSCI: - Combining aerobic exercise with task-based interventions (cognitive-motor dual-tasking and functional motor training) significantly improved cognition (SMD = 1.18, 95% CI [0.68, 1.68]). - Patients showed improvements in motor function (MD = 13.98, 95% CI [10.06, 17.89]) and activities of daily living (MD = 16.78, 95% CI [12.97, 20.58]). - Serum levels of BDNF, GSH, and NSE increased significantly, while IL-6 decreased notably; specific effect sizes and confidence intervals for molecular biomarkers were not reported in the abstract.
Why it matters
This meta-analysis demonstrates that combined aerobic and task-oriented exercise improves functional and cognitive recovery in stroke survivors, providing clinical evidence aligned with neuroplastic and anti-inflammatory biomarker changes.
Limits
The abstract omits the measurement scales used for motor function and activities of daily living, as well as exact effect sizes and confidence intervals for all biomarker changes. Details on intervention duration, stroke chronicity, blinding, and long-term durability of cognitive improvements are not provided.
Cited by
- supports Exercise has been shown to increase BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) levels and improve cognition.