Effects of Aerobic Dance on Cognition in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Zhu, Yi^{a; 1} | Zhong, Qian^{b; 1} | Ji, Jie^{a; 1} | Ma, Jinhui^c | Wu, Han^d | Gao, Yaxin^b | Ali, Nawab^b | Wang, Tong^{a; *}

Affiliations: [a] Department of Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China | [b] First Clinical Medical College, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China | [c] Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada | [d] Department of Rehabilitation, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of the Medical School at Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China

Correspondence: [*] Correspondence to: Tong Wang, Rehabilitation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 of Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China. Tel.: +86 139 5168 0478; Fax: +86 25 8331 8752; E-mail: wangtong60621@163.com.

Note: [1] These authors contributed equally to this work.

Abstract: Background:Regular aerobic exercises could improve global cognition in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), such as aerobic dance a type of commonly practiced aerobic exercises. However, its effects remain debatable in improving the cognitive function in patients with MCI. Objective:The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the effects of aerobic dance on cognitive function among older adults with MCI. Methods:We searched articles in the MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, and The Cochrane Library databases from inception to 28 February 2019, with the following criteria: 1) randomized controlled trials; 2) older adults with MCI; 3) aerobic dance intervention. Results:Five studies of 842 participants were identified. This meta-analysis showed that aerobic dance can significantly improve global cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination: MD = 1.43; 95% CI:[0.59, 2.27]; p = 0.0009; Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale: MD=–2.30; 95% CI:[–3.60, –1.00]; p = 0.0005), and delayed recall ability (SMD = 0.46;95% CI: [0.30, 0.62]; p < 0.00001) in older adults with MCI. In addition, have positive effects on improving executive function (Trial-Making Test A: MD = –2.37;95% CI:[–4.16, –0.58]; p = 0.010; Trial-Making Test B: MD = –16.0; 95% CI: [–30.03, –2.11]; p = 0.020) and immediate recall ability (SMD = 0.24;95% CI: [0.01, 0.46]; p = 0.04). Conclusion:Aerobic dance significantly improves global cognitive function and memory in older adults with MCI. In addition, it also benefits executive function. However, due to the limitations as the review states, more randomized controlled trials with better study design and larger sample sizes should be conducted in the future research to make it much clearer.

Keywords: Aerobic dance, cognition, executive function, memory, meta-analysis, mild cognitive function, randomized controlled trials

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-190681

Journal: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 74, no. 2, pp. 679-690, 2020