The effects of exercise intervention on cognition and motor function in stroke survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Cognitive impairment was a common sequela among stroke survivors, and exercise intervention was a promising non-pharmacological treatment modality for it. Purpose To explore the effects of exercise intervention programs on cognitive and motor function in patients with cognitive impairment after stroke. Study design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods Seven online databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycInfo, and SPORTDiscus) were searched from their inception to 10 February 2022. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of exercise with non-exercise rehabilitation, using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination, Mini-Mental State Examination, Trial Making Test, Upper and Lower Extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Berg Balance Scale, and Barthel Index, were selected. Calculations for each assessment were performed for the overall effect and the therapy of interest, taking into account the effect of stroke severity or stimulus parameters. Results Twelve RCTs involving 975 participants and investigating nine different types of exercise interventions were included. The results were not affected by participant characteristics or reactive balance outcomes. Our results emphasise the importance of lightweight and operable aerobic exercises. Exercise itself had a high potential to improve cognitive impairment and motor function after stroke. Conclusions Exercise had significant positive effects on alleviating cognitive and motor impairments after stroke.