Clinical efficacy of aerobic exercise combined with computer-based cognitive training in stroke: a multicenter randomized controlled trial

The influence of eight cognitive training regimes upon cognitive screening tool performance in post-stroke survivors: a network meta-analysis

Background

Traditional meta-analysis offers only direct comparative evidence. The optimal cognitive training for poststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) remains largely undetermined.

Objectives

This study aims to assess and compare the effectiveness of selected cognitive training methods for PSCI patients and to identify and rank the most effective intervention programs.

Methods

Searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Wanfang Database, and China Biomedical Database for randomized controlled trials up to September 30, 2023. Two researchers independently performed literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. Network meta-analysis was utilized to synthesize the main findings. The primary outcome focused on the intervention's impact on subjective cognitive function, with secondary outcomes including effects on activities of daily living, motor function, and functional independence. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023463282).

Results

Fifty eligible randomized controlled trials were identified, revealing eight distinct interventions. These interventions collectively demonstrate efficacy in enhancing cognition. Traditional cognitive training significantly improves overall cognitive function, daily living function, motor function, and functional independence. In Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment, Barthel Index, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and Functional Independence Measure scales, a combination of computer-based and traditional cognitive training outperformed the conventional control group MD = 29.97 (95%CI: 16.3, 44.2), MD = 18.67 (95%CI: 9.78, 27.45), MD = 28.76 (95%CI: 5.46, 51.79) and MD = 42.2 (95%CI: 5.25, 78.99). In the MMSE scale, virtual reality cognitive training combined with traditional training was most effective MD = 8.01 (95%CI: 3.6, 12.4). On the MoCA scale, the combination of exercise and cognitive training showed superior results MD = 6.68 (95%CI: 2.55, 10.78). Only the combined computer-based and traditional cognitive training, as well as traditional cognitive training alone, significantly enhanced functional independence, with no notable differences in other pairwise interventions.

Conclusion

The network meta-analysis suggests that augmenting traditional training with other modalities may enhance overall effectiveness. Specifically, interventions incorporating computer-based cognitive training appear to surpass other methods in improving cognition, daily living function, motor skills, and functional independence. The findings of this network meta-analysis provide evidence-based guidance for clinical decision-making.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier in PROSPERO (CRD42023463282).

Effects of aerobic and resistance exercises on psychological and cognitive functions in patients with post-stroke migraine

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of a combination of aerobic and resistance exercises on the psychological and cognitive functions of post-stroke migraine patients.

METHODS

This study recruited 100 patients suffering from post-stroke migraine pain who were admitted to the hospital, categorizing them into a control group (n = 50) and an intervention group (n = 50). The control group received conventional drug treatment, while the intervention group received the exercise-based intervention that combined aerobic exercise with resistance exercise.

RESULTS

Before treatment, both groups displayed similar Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) and MoCA scores. However, after the intervention, the intervention group exhibited lower scores on these measures compared to the control group (all p < 0.05). Additionally, there were no discernible disparity in Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) and Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) scores between the two cohorts of patients before treatment (p > 0.05), whereas the intervention group demonstrated significantly lower MIDAS and HIT-6 scores following the intervention (p < 0.05). Although there were no discernible distinctions in National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) and Stroke Specialized Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL) measurements between the two patient groups before treatment (p > 0.05), the intervention group exhibited a significant decrease in NIHSS scores and a notable increase in SS-QOL scores after the intervention (p > 0.05). Moreover, the satisfaction rate and overall satisfaction rate were significantly higher in the intervention group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The combination of aerobic and resistance exercises demonstrated positive effects on the psychological well-being and overall quality of life for post-stroke migraine patients.

Effects of exercise dose based on the ACSM recommendations on patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analyses

Purpose

This review aimed to assess the impact of different exercise dosages on cognitive function in individuals with post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI).

Methods

Four electronic databases-Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library-were systematically searched from inception to 01 January 2024, focusing on the impact of exercise therapy on cognitive function in individuals with PSCI. Only randomized controlled trials meeting the criteria were included. The exercise therapy dose and adherence were evaluated following the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines, categorized into a high compliance group with ACSM recommendations and a low or uncertain compliance group. A random-effects model compared the effect of ACSM compliance on cognitive function in individuals with PSCI, with the effect size represented by the standardized mean difference (SMD) and a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

In total, 18 studies meeting the criteria were included, with data from 1,742 participants. The findings suggested a beneficial effect of exercise on cognitive function in individuals with PSCI [SMD = 0.42, 95% CI (0.20, 0.65)]. Ten studies were categorized as the "high adherence group" and eight in the "low or uncertain adherence group" based on the ACSM recommendations. The subgroup analysis revealed that the SMD of the high compliance group was 0.46 (95% CI: 0.10, 0.82) (p = 0.01), while the SMD of the low or uncertain compliance group was 0.38 (95% CI: 0.07, 0.70) (p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Our study indicates the beneficial impact of exercise for patients with PSCI over no exercise. Furthermore, high adherence to the exercise dose recommended by ACSM guidelines demonstrated a more substantial improvement in cognitive function than low or uncertain adherence in patients with PSCI. Systematic Review Registration: https:// www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#myprospero, identifier CRD42023487915.

Effects of exercise on post-stroke cognitive function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

A growing body of research examining the effect of exercise on cognitive function in stroke patients, while findings of available studies were conflicting.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to estimate the effect of exercise on cognitive function in stroke patients.

METHODS

For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus electronic databases, through 13 March 2023. The three-level restricted maximum likelihood random effects model was used to synthesize the data.

RESULTS

Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. There was a significant effect of exercise on improving cognitive function in stroke patients (Cohen's d = 0.37, 95% CI, 0.16 to 0.58, p < 0.01, I2  = 22.12%). Subgroup analysis showed that exercise significantly improved memory. In addition, aerobic exercise, exercise conducted 12 weeks or more, 3 times or more per week, less than 60 minutes per session, less than 180 minutes per week, and up to 12 months post-stroke increased cognitive function significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise improved cognitive function in stroke patients. To improve cognitive function, this meta-analysis provides clinicians with evidence to recommend that stroke patients participate in aerobic exercise at least 3 times per week for 30-60 minutes, with a goal of 180 minutes per week being achieved by increasing the frequency of exercise. Exercise initiated within 12 months post-stroke and continued for 12 weeks or more is most beneficial for improving cognitive function.

The Effectiveness of Cognitive-Focused Interventions for Adults With Diabetes: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Adults with diabetes and impaired memory and executive functions are more likely to experience difficulties in diabetes self-management and achieving glycemic targets. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence of the effects of cognitive-focused interventions on cognitive ability, diabetes self-management, and management of glycemic levels for middle-aged adults and older adults with diabetes.

METHODS

A systematic review of randomized controlled/clinical trials published in English between 2012 and 2022 was conducted. A search was performed using 5 databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus) in addition to hand-searching. The search terms included diabetes, adults, cognitive-focused intervention, cognition, self-management, and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C).

RESULTS

Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Cognitive ability and diabetes self-management were assessed using different measurements, and glycemic levels were measured with HbA1C. Nine studies applied cognitive training, one provided working memory training, and one used occupational therapy. Eight studies combined cognitive training with a co-intervention, including self-efficacy, lifestyle management, physical training, chronic disease self-management program, square-stepping exercise, psychoeducational intervention, and empowerment. Eight studies showed statistically significant improvements in at least one cognitive domain.

CONCLUSIONS

Cognitive-focused interventions have a positive effect on improving memory and executive function. However, the evidence of cognitive-focused interventions on diabetes self-management and glycemic levels has not been established. Future studies to improve cognition using effective strategies to improve cognitive function enhancing diabetes self-management behaviors and managing glycemic levels are warranted.

The effect of moderate and vigorous aerobic exercise training on the cognitive and walking ability among stroke patients during different periods: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The study examined whether rehabilitation using aerobic exercise is more appropriate for patients less than 3 months post-stroke or more appropriate for patients more than 3 months post-stroke.

METHOD

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and CNKI databases were searched from inception to September 2023. All studies included must be written in English and grey literature was excluded. The quality of the study was evaluated using the PEDro scale. Standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. The primary outcomes are cognitive ability and walking ability. The intervention of the experimental group must be or include high-intensity aerobic training or moderate-intensity aerobic training. In addition, we required low intensity routine exercises in control group.

RESULT

Only 15 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that aerobic exercise has a positive rehabilitation effect on cognitive and walking ability of stroke patients. Global Cognitive Function (SMD = 0.81 95%CI 0.49-1.12), Walking Capacity (SMD = 1.19, 95%CI 0.75-1.62), VO2peak (SMD = 0.97, 95%CI 0.66-1.28), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (SMD = 2.73, 95%CI 2.03-3.43). We further observed that patients who suffered a stroke within the past three months exhibited superior rehabilitation outcomes compared to patients who suffered a stroke more than three months ago, specifically in terms of cognitive ability, walking tests, and cardiopulmonary function.

CONCLUSIONS

It is recommended to carry out treatment for patients in the initial stage of stroke, and it is required to pay attention to exercise intensity in the process of treatment to ensure patient safety.

Computerized cognitive training for memory functions in mild cognitive impairment or dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Dementia is a common medical condition in the ageing population, and cognitive intervention is a non-pharmacologic strategy to improve cognitive functions. This meta-analysis evaluated the benefits of computerized cognitive training (CCT) on memory functions in individuals with MCI or dementia. The study was registered prospectively with PROSPERO under CRD42022363715 and received no funding. The search was conducted on MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO on Sept 19, 2022, and Google Scholar on May 9, 2023, to identify randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of CCT on memory outcomes in individuals with MCI or dementia. Mean differences and standard deviations of neuropsychological assessment scores were extracted to derive standardized mean differences. Our search identified 10,678 studies, of which 35 studies were included. Among 1489 participants with MCI, CCT showed improvements in verbal memory (SMD (95%CI) = 0.55 (0.35-0.74)), visual memory (0.36 (0.12-0.60)), and working memory (0.37 (0.10-0.64)). Supervised CCT showed improvements in verbal memory (0.72 (0.45-0.98)), visual memory (0.51 (0.22-0.79)), and working memory (0.33 (0.01-0.66)). Unsupervised CCT showed improvement in verbal memory (0.21 (0.04-0.38)) only. Among 371 participants with dementia, CCT showed improvement in verbal memory (0.64 (0.02-1.27)) only. Inconsistency due to heterogeneity (as indicated by I2 values) is observed, which reduces our confidence in MCI outcomes to a moderate level and dementia outcomes to a low level. The results suggest that CCT is efficacious on various memory domains in individuals with MCI. Although the supervised approach showed greater effects, the unsupervised approach can improve verbal memory while allowing users to receive CCT at home without engaging as many healthcare resources.

Effects of 6-Month Combined Physical Exercise and Cognitive Training on Neuropsychological and Neurophysiological Function in Older Adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Multidomain intervention may delay or ameliorate cognitive decline in older adults at risk of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in the memory and inhibitory functions. However, no study systematically investigates the changes of brain function in cognitively-normal elderly with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) when they receive multidomain intervention.

Objective

We aimed to examine whether a multidomain intervention could improve neuropsychological function and neurophysiological activities related to memory and inhibitory function in SCD subjects.

Methods

Eight clusters with a total of 50 community-dwelling SCD older adults were single-blind, randomized into intervention group, which received physical and cognitive training, or control group, which received treatment as usual. For the neuropsychological function, a composite Z score from six cognitive tests was calculated and compared between two groups. For the neurophysiological activities, event-related potentials (ERPs) of memory function, including mismatch negativity (MMN) and memory-P3, as well as ERPs of inhibitory function, including sensory gating (SG) and inhibition-P3, were measured. Assessments were performed at baseline (T1), end of the intervention (T2), and 6 months after T2 (T3).

Results

For the neuropsychological function, the effect was not observed after the intervention. For the neurophysiological activities, improved MMN responses of ΔT2-T1 were observed in the intervention group versus the control group. The multidomain intervention produced a sustained effect on memory-P3 latencies of ΔT3-T1. However, there were no significant differences in changes of SG and inhibition-P3 between intervention and control groups.

Conclusions

While not impactful on neuropsychological function, multidomain intervention enhances specific neurophysiological activities associated with memory function.

Aerobic physical exercise versus dual-task cognitive walking in cognitive rehabilitation of people with stroke: a randomized clinical trial

Introduction

Stroke is a neurological deficit caused by an acute focal injury to the central nervous system due to vascular injury that can result in loss of neurological function, lasting brain damage, long-term disability and, in some cases, death. The literature reports that aerobic physical exercise, as well as dual-task cognitive walking, are used for the cognitive recovery of people with stroke. We aimed to assess whether aerobic physical exercise influences post-stroke cognitive recovery, namely performance on selective and sustained attention. We tested the hypothesis that post-stroke aerobic physical exercise leads to more significant gains than post-stroke dual-task cognitive walking.

Methods

We used a Randomized Clinical Trial, single-blind, parallel group, to verify the existence of differences between two groups. A total of 34 patients with subacute to chronic stroke were divided into two groups to train three times a week for 12 weeks: the aerobic physical exercise (PE) group engaged in 20 min on a treadmill, 20 min on a stationary bicycle and 5 min on a desk bike pedal exerciser per session; the dual-task (DT) gait exercise group walked for 45 min while simultaneously performing cognitive tasks per session. All participants were assessed on cognitive functioning with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and d2 Test of Attention before acute interventions and post interventions. We have also applied a Visual Analog Scale to monitor the participants' perceived difficulty, pre-, post-acute, and post-chronic interventions. Participants also responded to a Borg Scale of perceived exertion following the acute and the final session of chronic training.

Results

A mixed model ANOVA revealed a significant interaction effect with a large effect size for most of the cognitive variables under study. The variables associated with the d2 Test of Attention showed significant differences between the groups, mainly from T0 to T2. Also for MMSE, an ANOVA revealed a significant interaction effect with significant improvements from T0 to T2. Our results strongly suggest that aerobic physical exercise is more beneficial than dual-task cognitive-gait exercise since in the PE group, cognitive attention scores increase, and cognitive impairment and perception of exertion decrease, compared to the DT group.

Conclusion

These findings support that PE provides more significant benefits for patients post-stroke when compared to DT.

Neuroplastic Changes Associated With Hybrid Exercise-Cognitive Training in Stroke Survivors With Mild Cognitive Decline: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Exercise and cognitive training have been shown to induce neuroplastic changes and modulate cognitive function following stroke. However, it remains unclear whether hybridized exercise-cognitive training facilitates cortical activity and further influences cognitive function after stroke.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to investigate the effects of 2 hybridized exercise-cognitive trainings on neuroplastic changes and behavioral outcomes in stroke survivors with mild cognitive decline.

METHODS

This study was a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Stroke survivors were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: (1) sequential exercise-cognitive training (SEQ), (2) dual-task exercise-cognitive training (DUAL), or (3) control group (CON). All groups underwent training 60 min per day, 3 days per week, for a total of 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the resting-state (RS) functional connectivity (FC) in functional magnetic resonance imaging. Secondary behavioral outcomes included cognitive and physical functions.

RESULTS

After 12 weeks of training, patients in the SEQ group (n = 21) exhibited increased RS FC between the left occipital lobe and posterior cingulate gyrus with right parietal lobe, compared to the DUAL (n = 22) and CON (n = 20) groups. Additionally, patients in the DUAL group showed increased FC of the left temporal lobe. However, changes in behavioral outcome measures were non-significant among the 3 groups (all P's > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the distinct neuroplastic mechanisms associated with 2 types of exercise-cognitive hybridized trainings. The pre-post functional magnetic resonance imaging measurements illustrated the time course of neural mechanisms for cognitive recovery in stroke survivors following different exercise-cognitive training approaches. Trial registration. NCT03230253.

Combined Aerobic Exercise and Virtual Reality-Based Upper Extremity Rehabilitation Intervention for Chronic Stroke: Feasibility and Preliminary Effects on Physical Function and Quality of Life

Objectives

To (1) examine the feasibility of combining lower extremity aerobic exercise (AEx) with a virtual reality (VR) upper extremity (UE) rehabilitation intervention and (2) provide an estimate of effect size for the combined intervention on UE function, aerobic capacity, and health-related quality of life.

Design

Single-group feasibility trial.

Setting

Research laboratory.

Participants

Community-dwelling individuals with mild to moderate impairment of the UE at least 6 months post stroke (N=10; male, n=6; female n=4; mean age, 54 years).

Intervention

All participants received 18 sessions over a nominal 2-3 sessions per week schedule of a combined AEx and VR-UE rehabilitation intervention. During each session, participants completed 15 minutes of lower extremity AEx followed by playing a VR-UE rehabilitation game for approximately 20 minutes.

Main Outcome Measures

Feasibility was evaluated by metrics of adherence, retention, treatment acceptability, data completeness, and adverse events. UE function, aerobic capacity (peak oxygen consumption [Vo2peak]), and quality of life were assessed with the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), expired gas exchange analysis, and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS), respectively.

Results

Adherence was 100%, and there were no withdrawals or losses to follow-up to report. Participants completed the intervention in 49±14 days. Cohen's dz effect size calculations indicated the intervention elicited medium effects on FMA-UE (dz =0.50) and SIS memory domain (dz =0.46) and large effects on absolute Vo2peak (dz =1.46), relative Vo2peak (dz =1.21), SIS strength (dz =1.18), and SIS overall recovery domains (dz =0.81).

Conclusions

Combining lower extremity AEx and VR-UE rehabilitation appears feasible in the clinical research setting. Fifteen minutes of lower extremity AEx performed at vigorous intensity appears to elicit clinically meaningful benefits in chronic stroke. Further examination of the combination of lower extremity AEx and VR-UE rehabilitation and its effects on physical function and quality of life is warranted.