scholarly journals Does mindfulness meditation training enhance executive control? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in adults

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Cásedas ◽  
Miguel A. Vadillo ◽  
Juan Lupiáñez
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Inhibitory Control ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Executive Control ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Medium Effect ◽  
Randomized Controlled

[This is a pre-print of an article published in Mindfulness. The final authenticated version is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-019-01279-4] Objectives: Over the last years, mindfulness meditation has been claimed to be effective in enhancing several cognitive domains, including executive control. However, these claims have been mostly based on findings pertaining to case-control and cross-sectional studies, which are by nature unable to reveal causal relationships. Aiming to address this issue, we set out to conduct the first quantitative assessment of the literature concerning mindfulness meditation as an enhancer for executive control considering only randomized controlled studies. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis covering experimental studies testing the effect of mindfulness meditation training on at least one executive control function (working memory, inhibitory control, or cognitive flexibility) in adult samples. Four databases were examined, resulting in the identification of 822 candidate references. After a systematic filtering process, a set of 16 studies was retained for evaluation, of which 13 could be included in a subsequent meta-analysis. Results: We found an average effect size of g = 0.34 [0.16, 0.51], indicating a small-to-medium effect of mindfulness meditation training in enhancing executive control. Effect sizes for individual functions were g = 0.42 [0.10, 0.74] for working memory, g = 0.42 [0.20, 0.63] for inhibitory control, and g = 0.09 [-0.13, 0.31] for cognitive flexibility. Funnel plot asymmetry analysis revealed no evidence of publication bias. Conclusions: Taken together, our findings provide preliminary and moderate yet positive evidence supporting the enhancing effects of mindfulness meditation on executive control. Shortcomings of included studies and considerations for future empirical and meta-analytical research are discussed.

scholarly journals Effects of Sport-Based Interventions on Children’s Executive Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 755
Author(s):  
Falonn Contreras-Osorio ◽  
Christian Campos-Jara ◽  
Cristian Martínez-Salazar ◽  
Luis Chirosa-Ríos ◽  
Darío Martínez-García
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Inhibitory Control ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Impact

One of the most studied aspects of children’s cognitive development is that of the development of the executive function, and research has shown that physical activity has been demonstrated as a key factor in its enhancement. This meta-analysis aims to assess the impact of specific sports interventions on the executive function of children and teenagers. A systematic review was carried out on 1 November 2020 to search for published scientific evidence that analysed different sports programs that possibly affected executive function in students. Longitudinal studies, which assessed the effects of sports interventions on subjects between 6 and 18 years old, were identified through a systematic search of the four principal electronic databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO. A total of eight studies, with 424 subjects overall, met the inclusion criteria and were classified based on one or more of the following categories: working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility. The random-effects model for meta-analyses was performed with RevMan version 5.3 to facilitate the analysis of the studies. Large effect sizes were found in all categories: working memory (ES −1.25; 95% CI −1.70; −0.79; p < 0.0001); inhibitory control (ES −1.30; 95% CI −1.98; −0.63; p < 0.00001); and cognitive flexibility (ES −1.52; 95% CI −2.20; −0.83; p < 0.00001). Our analysis concluded that healthy children and teenagers should be encouraged to practice sports in order to improve their executive function at every stage of their development.

scholarly journals The effect of mindfulness meditation on sleep quality: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

2018 ◽  
Vol 1445 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather L. Rusch ◽  
Michael Rosario ◽  
Lisa M. Levison ◽  
Anlys Olivera ◽  
Whitney S. Livingston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled

scholarly journals Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Improves Executive Dysfunctions in ADHD: Implications for Inhibitory Control, Interference Control, Working Memory, and Cognitive Flexibility

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (13) ◽  
pp. 1928-1943 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vahid Nejati ◽  
Mohammad Ali Salehinejad ◽  
Michael A. Nitsche ◽  
Asal Najian ◽  
Amir-Homayoun Javadi
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Inhibitory Control ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Task Switching ◽  
Direct Current ◽  
Executive Control ◽  
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation ◽  
Sham Stimulation ◽  
Direct Current Stimulation ◽  
Left Dlpfc

Objective: This study examined effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) on major executive functions (EFs), including response inhibition, executive control, working memory (WM), and cognitive flexibility/task switching in ADHD. Method: ADHD children received (a) left anodal/right cathodal DLPFC tDCS and (b) sham stimulation in Experiment 1 and (a) left anodal DLPFC/right cathodal OFC tDCS, (b) left cathodal DLPFC/right anodal OFC tDCS, and (c) sham stimulation in Experiment 2. The current intensity was 1 mA for 15 min with a 72-hr interval between sessions. Participants underwent Go/No-Go task, N-back test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), and Stroop task after each tDCS condition. Results: Anodal left DLPFC tDCS most clearly affected executive control functions (e.g., WM, interference inhibition), while cathodal left DLPFC tDCS improved inhibitory control. Cognitive flexibility/task switching benefited from combined DLPFC-OFC, but not DLPFC stimulation alone. Conclusion: Task-specific stimulation protocols can improve EFs in ADHD.

scholarly journals Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Executive Functions in Preschool and School-Age Children With Neurofibromatosis Type 1

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (9) ◽  
pp. 977-994 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Laure Beaussart ◽  
Sébastien Barbarot ◽  
Claire Mauger ◽  
Arnaud Roy
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Inhibitory Control ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Executive Dysfunction ◽  
Neurofibromatosis Type ◽  
Planning Problem

AbstractObjectives:Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder in which the most frequent complication in children is learning disabilities. Over the past decade, growing arguments support the idea that executive dysfunction is a core deficit in children with NF1. However, some data remain inconsistent. The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of impairment for each executive function (EF) and clarify the impact of methodological choices and participant’s characteristics on EFs.Methods:In this meta-analysis, 19 studies met the selection criteria and were included with data from a total of 805 children with NF1 and 667 controls. Based on the Diamond’s model (2013), EF measures were coded separately according to the following EF components: working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, planning/problem solving. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (International prospective register of systematic reviews; CRD42017068808).Results:A significant executive dysfunction in children with NF1 is demonstrated. Subgroup analysis showed that the impairment varied as a function of the specific component of executive functioning. The effect size for working memory and planning/problem solving was moderate whereas it was small for inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. Executive dysfunction seems to be greater with increasing age whereas assessment tool type, intellectual performance, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and control group composition did not seem to affect EF results.Conclusions:EF deficits are a core feature in children with NF1 and an early identification of executive dysfunctions is essential to limit their impact on the quality of life. (JINS, 2018,24, 977–994)

scholarly journals The effect of the Sport Education Model on basic needs, intrinsic motivation and prosocial attitudes: A systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 1356336X2110179
Author(s):  
Mika Manninen ◽  
Sara Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Intrinsic Motivation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
Medium Effect ◽  
Sport Education ◽  
Education Model ◽  
Prosocial Attitudes

This study aimed to provide a quantitative synthesis on the effect of the Sport Education Model (SEM) on basic need satisfaction, intrinsic motivation, and prosocial attitudes in physical education (PE). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on experimental studies conducted before August 2020. The initial search yielded 6061 articles, with 25 articles ( n = 2937) meeting the inclusion criteria. The articles were analyzed using five separate analyses using two- and three-level random-effects models and Hedges’ g effect size. The study showed the SEM to have a positive heterogeneous medium effect on autonomy ( g = 0.43; CI 95% [0.12, 0.74]), competence ( g = 0.42; CI 95% [0.17, 0.67]) and relatedness ( g = 0.57; CI 95% [0.28, 0.85]) need satisfaction, intrinsic motivation ( g = 0.63; CI 95% [0.37, 0.89]), and prosocial attitudes ( g = 0.46; CI 95% [0.09, 0.83]). All a priori categorical moderators were statistically insignificant. The analyses indicate that the SEM is more need-supportive and promotes intrinsic motivation and prosocial attitudes more compared to the skill-drill, direct, and traditional instructional styles used in PE. However, high-quality experimental and comparative trials testing the efficacy of the SEM on broad outcomes are needed. Specifically, the concept of novelty, potential negative outcomes, and essential behavioral outcomes, such as physical activity, should be included in the future. Further, the fidelity of the interventions should be measured and reported with more transparency and detail.

scholarly journals Effects of Acute and Chronic Exercises on Executive Function in Children and Adolescents: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shijie Liu ◽  
Qian Yu ◽  
Zaimin Li ◽  
Paolo Marcello Cunha ◽  
Yanjie Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Inhibitory Control ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Systemic Review ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽  
Exercise Interventions

Background: Physical exercises can affect executive function both acutely and chronically, with different mechanisms for each moment. Currently, only a few reviews have elaborated on the premise that different types of exercises have different mechanisms for improving executive function. Therefore, the primary purpose of our systematic review was to analyze the effects of acute and chronic exercises on executive function in children and adolescents.Objective: We identified acute and chronic exercise studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of executive function in children and adolescents that reported overall effect, heterogeneity, and publication bias of acute and chronic exercises on executive function.Methods: We searched for RCTs of exercise interventions in children and adolescents from databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), and Wanfang, from January 1 2009 to December 31 2019. We performed methodological quality evaluations on the included literature using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale (PEDro) and graded evidence with a meta-analysis using Stata 12.0 software.Results: In total, 36 RCTs were included (14 acute exercises, 22 chronic exercises); the overall results of the meta-analysis (4,577 students) indicated that acute exercises significantly improved working memory (standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.72; 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.89 to −0.56; p &lt; 0.001), inhibitory control (SMD = −0.25; 95% CI −0.40 to −0.09; p = 0.002), and cognitive flexibility (SMD = −0.34; 95% CI −0.55 to −0.14; p &lt; 0.005), whereas chronic exercises significantly improved working memory (SMD = −0.54; 95% CI −0.74 to −0.33; p &lt; 0.001), inhibitory control (SMD = −0.30; 95% CI −0.38 to −0.22; p &lt; 0.001), and cognitive flexibility (SMD = −0.34, 95 % CI −0.48 to −0.20, p &lt; 0.001).Conclusion: Acute and chronic exercises can effectively improve the executive function of children and adolescents. The effects on inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility are considered as small effect sizes, while the effects on working memory are considered as moderate effect size. Limited by the quantity and quality of the included studies, the above conclusions need to be verified with more high-quality studies.

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