Exercise Proven to Boost Brainpower at Any Age, Study Finds

Akshay Naik 28 March 2025

Life

A new study has confirmed that exercise of any kind—whether a brisk morning jog or a session of Tai Chi—can significantly enhance brain function and memory across all age groups. Researchers at the University of South Australia conducted the most extensive review of its kind, analysing data from 133 systematic reviews, which included 2724 randomised controlled trials and 258,279 participants.

The study found that regular physical activity improved cognition, memory and executive function in both healthy individuals and those with clinical conditions, underscoring the importance of exercise in maintaining cognitive health.

According to the research, low- to moderate-intensity exercise provided the greatest benefits for brain function and memory. The findings also highlighted that children and adolescents experienced the most substantial improvements in memory, while individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) saw significant enhancements in executive function. Additionally, activities such as yoga, Tai Chi and interactive video games such as Pokémon Go demonstrated notable cognitive benefits.

Lead researcher, Dr. Ben Singh from the University of South Australia, emphasised the accessibility of exercise as a cognitive booster.

“Exercise has a profound effect on physical health, but we also know it benefits brain function. What this study confirms is that even low-intensity exercise – like yoga or walking – can improve cognition, making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities,” Dr. Singh said.

He further noted that the cognitive benefits of exercise became evident within just one to three months of regular activity.

“In particular, we found that benefits were delivered quickly – with clear gains within 1-3 months, highlighting that even small bursts of activity can make a big difference. It also signals that trying out new activities could play a key role in keeping the brain engaged and active,” he added.

“For children and teens, exercise was especially beneficial for developing memory, while for people with ADHD, it helped improve focus, reduce impulsivity and enhance executive function.”

The study also highlighted the role of mind-body exercises in boosting cognition.

“We also found that mind-body exercises, like Tai Chi and yoga, had the most significant impact on memory, while exergames—such as Pokémon Go—were highly effective for general cognition. This is an encouraging finding, as it suggests that engaging, low-impact activities can offer real cognitive benefits,” Dr. Singh said.

Senior researcher, Professor Carol Maher, stressed the importance of integrating exercise into everyday life as a strategy to maintain cognitive health.

“Cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases are growing global health concerns, underscoring the urgent need to identify effective strategies to preserve and enhance cognitive function across the lifespan,” Prof. Maher said.

“This study presents compelling evidence that exercise should be integrated into healthcare and education settings to promote cognitive well-being. Knowing that even small amounts of exercise can improve memory and brain function – especially for those at higher risk—presents a clear opportunity for exercise to be included in clinical and public health guidelines.”

With cognitive decline becoming an increasing concern worldwide, the findings reinforce the message that staying active is not just beneficial for physical health but is also key to maintaining a sharp and healthy mind at any age.

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