An optimal exercise regime exists for maximizing cognitive functioning.
While various studies identify specific dose-response relationships and optimal thresholds for exercise-induced cognitive gains, researchers debate whether a definitive, universally applicable optimal regime currently exists given high variability across populations.
The retrieved papers present mixed findings: several studies and meta-analyses successfully model dose-response relationships and identify specific optimal exercise dosages for cognitive performance, whereas other recent reviews conclude that optimal exercise parameters remain unestablished or that current evidence is insufficient to support a standardized precision prescription.
Yu-Kai Chang, Jennifer L. Etnier. Exploring the Dose-Response Relationship between Resistance Exercise Intensity and Cognitive Function. 2009. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.31.5.640
This study finds significant linear and quadratic dose-response relationships between resistance exercise intensity and distinct aspects of cognitive performance.
Wanting Jiang, Xing Wang, Lijuan Mao. Effects of resistance exercise on cognitive function, neurotrophic factors, brain structure, and brain function in older adults: A narrative review. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1177/13872877251359630
This review highlights that while resistance exercise benefits older adults, optimal exercise parameters and dosages remain to be definitively established.
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Thierry Busso. From an indirect response pharmacodynamic model towards a secondary signal model of dose-response relationship between exercise training and physical performance. 2017. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep40422
The development of secondary signal models demonstrates a theoretical framework for calculating an optimal daily training dose for performance outcomes.
Liu C, Chen R, Jia S, Guo Z, Wei C, Wang X. Effects of exercise on cognitive function in patients with depression: a three-level meta-analysis with dose-response and exploratory mediation analyses.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-026-01902-3
Dose-response modeling indicates that moderate-intensity exercise exceeding specific weekly duration thresholds yields maximum cognitive gains in depressed patients.
Wang J, Yang Y, Mei H, Yuan Y, Mei K, Fang H, Ruan W, Wang T, Chen L, Liang Y, Wang T, Zhuang J. Optimal dose and type of physical activity for enhancing executive functions in children and adolescents: a network meta-analysis.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-026-01066-9
Network meta-analysis successfully identifies optimal physical activity types and dosage thresholds for enhancing specific executive function components in youth.
Jiao M, Li Q, Liang H, Zhang B, Li M, Li J, Harun MT, Wen F. Exercise- and dietary pattern-based lifestyle interventions and neurocognitive function in adults: a Bayesian multilevel network and dose-response meta-analysis.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-026-13918-7
Dose-response meta-analyses indicate that current evidence remains insufficient to support a standardized precision prescription or definitive optimal dosages.
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