Effectiveness of exercise interventions, alone or in combination with dietary modifications, on working memory in overweight and obese individuals: A systematic review

Abstract

This systematic review aimed to establish the effectiveness of exercise interventions, alone or in combination with dietary modifications, on working memory (WM) in individuals living with overweight and obesity. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the Scopus, PubMed, Springer-Link, RefSeek, and Cochrane Library databases to identify relevant publications up to January 18, 2024. Data on participants' characteristics, intervention settings, and key outcomes related to WM were extracted. The quality of the studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. A total of 15 articles met pre-established inclusion criteria, involving participants across nine countries with a range of 12–125 individuals and ages spanning from 6 to 80 years old. Among the studies analyzed, 10 exclusively investigated exercise interventions, whereas five explored the combined effects. Notably, 70% of the exercise interventions (7 out of 10) exhibited positive improvements in WM. Likewise, 60% of the combined interventions (3 out of 5) demonstrated favorable enhancements in WM. No differences were found between the two protocols. Common features between the protocols were identified and described. Both protocols showed favorable and promising effects on WM in this clinical population. Nonetheless, the limited evidence addressing the combination of exercise and diet in the same research approach reduces the generalizability of the findings. This review offers valuable insights for future clinical and research applications in people with overweight and obesity.