Effectiveness of combined cognitive and exercise training versus single exercise training on cognition in people with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of combined exercise and cognitive interventions with those of exercise alone on cognitive function and quality of life in people with Parkinson's disease.

METHOD: Six electronic databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to January 2025, in strict accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Two independent reviewers assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool, and pairwise meta‑analyses were performed to synthesize the extracted data.

RESULTS

Fourteen RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. Combined interventions significantly improved global cognitive function compared with exercise alone. Moreover, combined interventions lasting more than 12 weeks offered significant advantages over exercise‑only regimens in terms of global cognition and executive function. Additionally, combined interventions yielded significant beneficial effects on executive function in individuals with Parkinson's disease and mild cognitive impairment. No statistically significant between-group differences were observed in the domains of attention, memory, or quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Combined exercise and cognitive interventions are superior to exercise alone for patients with Parkinson's disease, and their beneficial effects on global cognitive function are not influenced by the specific intervention format.