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Zhu Y, He S, Herold F, Sun F, Li C, Tao S, Gao TY. Effect of isometric handgrip exercise on cognitive function: Current evidence, methodology, and safety considerations. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1012836. [PMID: 36267588 PMCID: PMC9576950 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1012836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive function is essential for most behaviors of daily living and is a critical component in assessing the quality of life. Mounting prospective evidence supports the use of isometric handgrip exercise (IHE) as a small muscle mass practice to promote health-related outcomes in clinical and healthy populations. The aim of the present review was to systematically investigate whether IHE is effective in improving the cognitive function of adults (aged ≥18 years). Studies were identified by searching five databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, PsychINFO, and Web of Science). Eight out of 767 studies met the inclusion criteria, including three types of studies: 1) acute effect for IHE with various intensity protocols (n = 4); 2) acute effect for IHE with one set exhaustion protocol (n = 2); and 3) chronic effect of IHE on cognitive function (n = 2). To assess the methodological quality of studies, the PEDro scale was used (mean score = 6.75). The evidence on whether IHE exerts acute positive effects on cognitive performance is currently rather inconclusive. However, a trend was discernible that implementing IHE can generate a beneficial chronic effect on cognitive function, although the results should be interpreted with caution. The clinical relevance of IHE as a time-efficient type of physical exercise to improve cognitive function warrants further investigation. Methodology and safety considerations were discussed.Systematic Review Registration: (https://osf.io/gbzp9).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Zhu
- School of Physical Education, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Yuxin Zhu,
| | - Shan He
- School of Physical Education, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fabian Herold
- Research Group Degenerative and Chronic Disease, Movement, Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Fenghua Sun
- Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chunxiao Li
- School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sisi Tao
- Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tian-Yu Gao
- School of Physical Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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