The relative effectiveness of different types of exercise for people with Mild Cognitive Impairment or dementia: Systematic review protocol.

Abstract

To investigate which type of exercise is the most effective for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. Exercise is recommended as a promising intervention for people with cognitive impairment. However, which type of exercise is the most beneficial for people with MCI or dementia seems still unclear. The objective of this article is to assess the relative effectiveness of different types of exercise on cognitive function in people with MCI or dementia using network meta-analysis. Systematic review, meta-analysis, and network meta-analysis. We will systematically search electronic databases including PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and PsycINFO. To avoid missing the eligible literature, we will examine the reference lists of systematic reviews publication since 2017. WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.gov will also be retrieved to identify eligible trials. Two independent researchers will identify the eligible trials according to selection criteria and extract data. The risk of bias for included studies will be assessed by two pairs of reviewers based on the modified Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Discrepancies or disagreement will be discussed and resolved. Data will be analysed using pairwise meta-analysis and network meta-analysis. This study will compare the relative effectiveness of different types of exercise and identify which type of exercise is the most effective for people with MCI or dementia. The results of this review will provide evidence on which domains of cognitive function are more responsive to what type of exercise. It will also help guide nursing clinical practice to optimize exercise therapy in people with MCI or dementia. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020160620.