Effectiveness of Resistance Exercise on Cognitive Function in Animal Models of Alzheimer Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Author(s)

Santos, F. O. de Andrade ; Passos, A. A. ; Arida, R. M. ; Teixeira-Machado, L.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JPAD-JOURNAL OF PREVENTION OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE; v. 11, n. 4, p. 15-pg., 2024-04-10.

Abstract

Aim: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is among common cause of dementia. Complementary therapies, such as resistance exercise (RE), have been proposed as an alternative for the treatment of AD. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effects of RE on the cognitive function of AD animal models and their physiological mechanisms. Methods: This review was submitted to PROSPERO (CRD42019131266) and was done according to PRISMA checklist. Four databases were used in the search: MEDLINE/PUBMED, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Google Scholar. We used SYRCLE and CAMAREDES to assess the risk of bias and methodological quality. We calculated the standardized mean difference using 95% confidence intervals and considered the random effects model and p < 0.05 to determine significance. Key Findings: A total of 1,807 studies were founded, and after the selection process, only 11 studies were included in this review and 8 studies were included for meta-analysis. Four studies applied RE before AD induction, 7 studies applied RE after AD induction or in the AD condition. All studies included 550 adult and older animals weighing 25-280g. Our analysis revealed that RE had a positive effect on memory in AD animal models but did not show a significant impact on anxiety. Conclusion: RE performed four or six weeks, more than three days a week, had a significant protective effect on memory. The included studies had a high risk of bias and moderate methodological quality. Therefore, RE can be a potential strategy for preventing cognitive decline in animal models. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/10696-1 - Study of morphophysiological changes in the brain of rats submitted to a physical exercise program throughout life and during aging
• Grantee: Ricardo Mario Arida
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants