A multi-level meta-analysis comparing the effectiveness of Cognitively Engaging Physical Activity (CEPA) with traditional Physical Activity (PA) in enhancing Executive Function (EF) development in children and adolescents.

Our dataset encompasses data from 15 studies involving 1,671 participants, systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed to compare the efficacy of CEPA against traditional Physical Activity (PA) in enhancing EF among youth. The studies included were identified following the PRISMA guidelines and are primarily randomized controlled trials, focused on promoting EF development through Cognitive-Enhanced Physical Exercise, with participants no older than 16 years at the study's onset.Data generation involved rigorous screening and coding of articles based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Measurements of EF were primarily based on tasks assessing inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, including the Stop-signal task, Flanker task, and Stroop task, among others. The geographical scope of these studies is global, with temporal scopes corresponding to the publication years of the included studies.Effect sizes were calculated using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software and standardized to Hedges’ g to address small study effects. A multi-level meta-analysis was conducted using the R package, focusing on the impact of CEPA on EF. Meta-regression analysis and Egger's test were performed to account for study-level covariates and publication bias, respectively.The dataset includes 56 effect sizes calculated from performance differences at delayed retention tests between enhanced expectancies (CEPA) and neutral/diminished expectancies (PA) groups. Data entries are structured in tabular format, with row and column headers signifying specific studies, subgroups, and measured outcomes. Missing data, errors, and error ranges are duly noted where applicable.Each file in the dataset is meticulously described in terms of its content, format (e.g., .csv, .xlsx), and size. For any rare file formats, the necessary software applications for access, along with download addresses, are provided.This comprehensive data description ensures an accurate understanding and potential reuse of the data for advancing research in the domain of physical activity's impact on the cognitive development of children and adolescents.