Impact of physical exercise interventions on brain volume in elderly people: a systematic review with meta-analysis

• Grant number: 24/09217-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Psychiatry
• Principal Investigator: Lucas Melo Neves
• Grantee: Sara Oliveira Dias de Lucena
• Host Institution: Universidade de Santo Amaro (UNISA). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Aging is accompanied by a decrease in brain volume (brain atrophy), which is related to cognitive worsening in the elderly, and, therefore, corresponds to an important risk factor for dementia in this population. Justification: Evidence indicates that physical exercise interventions have the potential to contribute to the prevention and/or mitigation of this atrophy. However, there is no agreement in the literature regarding the areas and brain structures positively impacted by this practice. Objective: To review and summarize the available literature regarding which brain areas and structures present atrophy minimized by physical exercise interventions for the elderly. Methods: Systematic review with meta-analysis, the search will be carried out in the PubMed, Web of Science and Embase databases, following the 24 steps described in the step guide regarding the preparation of a systematic review and meta-analysis in medical research. The EndNote and Rayyan tools will be used to execute the process. Analysis of results: The Comprehensive Meta-analysis version 4.1 software program will be used, the heterogeneity assessment will be done using I2 statistics, in addition the funnel plot analysis will be used to investigate the spatial presentation of bias.