Effect sizes for a meta-analytical review of the effects of an acute, single bout of walking on executive function in healthy adults 1900-2000

Executive functions (EF) are a set of cognitive skills that help adaptation to novel or complex situations, and include working memory, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. Evidence suggests a single bout of aerobic physical activity (PA) may improve EF. No reviews have specifically examined the effect of walking on EF. Walking is a cost free, easily accessible, and a convenient form of PA which has diverse health benefits. The objective was to investigate the effect of a single bout of walking on EF. In terms of the methods used, a three-level meta-analysis was conducted with sub-group analysis including PA intensity, duration and time delay to cognitive testing. Inclusion criteria were: (1) Population: participants aged 18-65 y with no known diseases or cognitive impairments; (2) Intervention: an acute, single bout of light to moderate intensity walking as the independent variable; (3) Comparator: a control group/visit with a period of physical inactivity prior to cognitive testing; (4) Outcome variable: evaluated EF via a time or accuracy metric; (5) provided data sufficient to calculate an effect size estimate. Effect sizes were calculated from all studies included in a meta-analytical review of the effects of an acute, single bout of walking on executive function in healthy adults.