The effect of Brain Gym on cognitive function in older people: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Varela S, Ayan C, Bidaurrazaga-Letona I, Diz JC, Dunabeitia I · 2023
grade Cmeta-analysisindependentunreplicated
Sample
10 studies of high to low methodological quality (PEDro and MINORS scales), six databases searched
Population
Older adults with and without cognitive impairment (out of the 4-18 age band)
Design
The ONLY meta-analysis of Brain Gym in existence, and it is not in children - which is itself the most telling fact about a programme sold into schools in more than 80 countries. Excluded on population rather than on quality.
Key findings
Within-group changes appeared in the Brain Gym arms, but meta-analytically the changes in cognitive function (MMSE) were NOT greater than in control or comparison groups. Brain Gym will not lead to improvements in cognitive function in people with or without cognitive impairment.
Genetic confound
Low; controlled comparisons.
Effects
| Outcome | Metric | Value | Measure | Timing | Vs | Horizon | Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive function (MMSE) | pooled between-group difference | no greater change than control/comparison | standardized | post-intervention | unclear | end-of-treatment | g |