Can Combining Cardio and Strength Training Boost Brain Health?

Cognitive decline is expected to affect 150 million people by 2050. This review asked whether doing aerobic and resistance exercise together helps thinking skills. It analyzed data from people, though the exact populations were not clearly specified.

🔍 What the study did

Researchers searched seven English and three Chinese databases up to August 2024 for randomized controlled trials testing combined aerobic and resistance training on global cognition. They included 35 trials with 5,734 participants. They used statistical methods to combine results and explore factors like age, exercise frequency, and duration.

📊 What it found

• Combined training improved global cognition with a small effect (g = 0.32, 95% CI 0.17–0.46, p < 0.001).
• Adults aged 65 and older showed a similar benefit (g = 0.33, 95% CI 0.14–0.51, p < 0.05).
• People with clinical conditions also improved (g = 0.28, 95% CI 0.11–0.46, p < 0.001).
• Interventions lasting 13–26 weeks had a significant effect (g = 0.21, 95% CI 0.05–0.37, p = 0.011).
• Exercise frequency and session duration positively influenced outcomes.

💡 What it means

Doing both types of exercise together may give a small boost to overall thinking abilities. The benefit appears across different groups, but it is modest. Longer or more frequent sessions might help, though the review cannot prove cause and effect.

🚫 What it does NOT show

• It cannot prove that combined training prevents dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
• It does not show benefits for specific cognitive domains like memory or attention.
• It cannot determine the optimal exercise program for any individual.
• It does not establish long-term effects beyond the study periods.

📋 Evidence level

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in humans, though the specific populations were not clearly specified.

⚠️ Confidence indicator

Confidence: Low to moderate — the study type is not clearly specified, so findings should be treated with caution.

🧭 How much to trust it

The trust tier is Moderate. This reflects that the study type is not clearly specified, so the findings deserve healthy caution.

🛑 Limitations

• The study type is not clearly specified, making it hard to judge quality.
• Populations are not clearly defined, limiting generalizability.
• Exercise programs varied across trials, so results may not apply uniformly.
• Only published trials were included, which may miss negative results.

❓ Open questions

• What is the optimal combination of aerobic and resistance training?
• Do benefits last beyond the intervention period?
• Which specific cognitive abilities improve most?

✅ Your action plan

• ✅ The study's approach combined aerobic and resistance exercise in the same program.
• ✅ Sessions lasted 30–60 minutes in the reviewed trials.
• ✅ Programs ran for 4–26 weeks, with 13–26 weeks showing significant effects.
• ✅ Frequency and duration mattered, but exact amounts are not reported for individual use.
• ✅ Before starting any new exercise routine, discuss it with a professional.

This summary is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to a qualified professional before changing anything about your health.

📚 Source

Effects of human concurrent aerobic and resistance training on cognitive health: A systematic review with meta-analysis.. International journal of clinical and health psychology : IJCHP. 2025 PubMed