The field lacks a clear account of what constitutes

The gap

Evidence profile

Sourced from the limitations and stated research gap and limitations section and future-work section of the source papers, classified as general, spanning 5 journals.

Supporting evidence — 6 representative gaps

• The effects of different types of exercise on cognitive function in the older adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis (2026) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi

  Firstly, the primary outcome measures in this study included MMSE, MoCA, WAIS, and WCST. However, cognitive function is also correlated with exercise dosage and heart rate variability (HRV), in addition to exercise modality. Due to methodological included studies, we were unable to inconsistencies across systematically evaluate the independent effects of different exercise modalities on cognitive function and associated executive functions. Secondly, the substantial heterogeneity observed in some results may be attributed to variations in cognitive assessment protocols and exercise intervention designs. Future researchers should conduct in accordance with standardized guidelines for measuring independent variables (e.g., exercise parameters) and dependent variables (e.g., cognitive outcomes). This standardization will reduce inter-study heterogeneity and enhance the comparability of results. studies Thirdly, exercise intensity, gender, and age-related factors may moderate the effects of different exercise modalities on cognitive function in older adults. Most included studies did not report standardized exercise intensity, which prevented further subgroup analysis based on intensity and may have contributed to statistical heterogeneity. Additionally, the inherent limitations of network Meta-analysis should be noted: some exercise type pairs (e.g., ST vs.

  generallimitationsevidence 5/5
  Keywords: exercise cognitive included function heterogeneity intensity independent ects erent modalities standardized variables firstly primary outcome
• Rethinking exercise dose for cognitive ageing: a systematic review and meta-analysis of physical dose and cognitive–motor demands (2026) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi

  The field lacks a clear account of what constitutes an effective dose of exercise for cognitive ageing. Current trials quantify physical exposure more consistently than cognitive-motor operations. There is a need for a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of exercise on cognitive ageing.

  generalstated research gapevidence 5/5
  Keywords: field lacks clear account constitutes effective dose exercise
• The problem of the development of executive functions in modern foreign studies (2026) · Journal of Modern Foreign Psychology · doi

  The parameters of motor activity, methods of evaluating executive functions, and characteristics of samples vary. Much of the research focuses on the short-term effects of cognitive and physical training, while the long-term effects remain poorly understood. There is no single conceptual model in the literature that integrates the various mechanisms of the influence of physical and cognitive activity on executive functions.

  generallimitations sectionevidence 4/5
  Keywords: parameters motor activity methods evaluating executive functions characteristics
• Exercise snacks and cognitive health in older adults: mechanisms, implementation, and public health relevance (2026) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi

  Direct evidence linking exercise snacks to cognitive outcomes in older adults remains limited. The available literature is heterogeneous in design, short in duration, and focused on acute or indirect outcomes. Further research is needed to determine the durability, magnitude, and generalizability of cognitive effects.

  generalstated research gapevidence 4/5
  Keywords: direct evidence linking exercise snacks cognitive outcomes older
• Can exercise combined with transcranial direct current stimulation improve cognitive function in older adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis (2026) · Frontiers in Neuroscience · doi

  There is a need for strategies to delay age-related cognitive decline. The effect of combining exercise with tDCS on cognitive function in older adults is not well understood. This study aims to address this research gap by investigating the effect of combined exercise and tDCS interventions on cognitive function in older adults.

  generalstated research gapevidence 4/5
  Keywords: there need strategies delay age-related cognitive decline effect
• Evaluating the cognitive impact of exergames on community-dwelling older adults beyond laboratory settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis (2026) · Frontiers in Dementia · doi

  Future studies should investigate the effects of exercise game interventions on cognitive functions in older adults with different types of exercise. Future studies should explore the effects of exercise game interventions on cognitive functions in older adults with different levels of cognitive decline.

  generalfuture-work sectionevidence 4/5
  Keywords: future studies investigate effects exercise game interventions cognitive

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