Clinical Focus ›› 2026, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (9): 773-786.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-583X.2026.09.001

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Network meta-analysis of the effects of different exercise types on inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and working memory in adolescents

Li Yongjing, Su Huaiyi, Wang Xinyuan, Zhang Jinlong, Song Shuhua()   

  1. School of Physical Education, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 450500, China
  • Received:2026-01-22 Online:2026-09-20 Published:2026-09-17
  • Contact: Song Shuhua E-mail:1057955454@qq.com

Abstract:

Objective To compare the effects of different exercise types on inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and working memory in adolescents through traditional meta-analysis and network meta-analysis. Methods CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, Baidu Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, and ScienceDirect were systematically searched from database inception to December 1, 2025. Traditional meta-analysis, network meta-analysis, and graphical plotting were performed using Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 18. Results A total of 15 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 17 289 adolescents were included, covering five exercise types: aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, cognitively engaging physical games, high-intensity interval training, and multicomponent exercise. Subgroup analysis showed that 20 min/session of low-dose exercise significantly improved inhibition function in adolescents compared with the control group (SMD=0.29, 95%CI: [0.01, 0.58]); 45 min/session of moderate-dose exercise significantly improved cognitive flexibility (SMD=1.15, 95%CI: [0.14, 2.15]); and an intervention frequency of 4 times/week (SMD=1.52, 95%CI:[0.56, 2.48]) and a duration of 10-12 weeks (SMD=0.66, 95%CI: [0.04, 1.29]) significantly improved working memory in adolescents compared with the control group. Network meta-analysis showed that: ① the ranking of exercise types for improving adolescent inhibition function was cognitively engaging physical games (SUCRA=98.7%) > resistance exercise (SUCRA=77.8%) > aerobic exercise (SUCRA=51.9%) > multicomponent exercise (SUCRA=34.0%) > no intervention (SUCRA=30.1%) > high-intensity interval training (SUCRA=7.5%), and cognitively engaging physical games showed significant differences compared with aerobic exercise (SMD=2.96, 95%CI: [0.74, 5.19]), multicomponent exercise (SMD=3.47, 95%CI: [1.63, 5.32]), no intervention (SMD=3.56, 95%CI: [1.70, 5.41]), and high-intensity interval training (SMD=4.38, 95%CI: [2.06, 6.71]); ② the ranking of exercise types for improving cognitive flexibility was aerobic exercise (SUCRA=83.5%) > cognitively engaging physical games (SUCRA=59.3%) > multicomponent exercise (SUCRA=44.9%) > high-intensity interval training (SUCRA=21.1%); ③ the ranking of exercise types for improving working memory was aerobic exercise (SUCRA=71.1%) > high-intensity interval training (SUCRA=61.1%) > multicomponent exercise (SUCRA=57.3%) > resistance exercise (SUCRA=21.5%). Conclusion Cognitively engaging physical games show an advantage in improving inhibition function, whereas aerobic exercise ranks first in enhancing cognitive flexibility and working memory in adolescents. In terms of intervention dose, low-dose exercise of 20 min/session shows a positive trend in improving inhibition function, moderate-dose exercise of 45 min/session has a significant effect on cognitive flexibility, and medium-to long-term intervention of 4 times/week for 10-12 weeks can significantly improve working memory in adolescents.

Key words: cognition disorders, exercise, inhibition, cognitive flexibility, working memory, adolescents, network meta-analysis

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