Effects of Physical Activity on Health Among Informal Caregivers of People With Cognitive Decline: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Caregiving for people living with cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, can negatively affect informal caregivers’ health. Objective: Our review aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of physical activity on physical and psychological health and well-being among informal caregivers of people with cognitive decline because no comprehensive evidence has been drawn so far. Methods: A literature search of 9 databases was conducted to identify appropriate randomized controlled trials. Meta-analysis was performed using STATA (version 18.0) with the standardized mean difference (Hedge’s g) used to calculate the effect size of interventions. Results: Twelve studies were included (n = 1163 total participants, all of whom were informal caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias; mean age = 64 years), 2 of which were rated as strong in methodological quality, 1 as weak, and the remaining 9 showing moderate quality. Physical activity, consisting of walking, Tai Chi, or multicomponent activities (aerobic, strengthening, stretching, and/or balance activities), exerted beneficial effects on static balance as an element of physical health and psychological well-being as an element of well-being with moderate effect sizes. Conclusions: Nurses may suggest that informal caregivers engage in physical activity to improve physical and mental well-being, potentially decreasing onerous aspects of caregiving. Given the limited number of studies in our review, future research is warranted to identify the optimal type and dose of physical activity to improve informal caregivers’ health.