tions (4) did not allow a careful examination of each subgroup, so the
clinical group was far from a homogeneous category. However, a preliminary
evaluation of the effect of exercise on the cognitive functioning
of these populations may prove useful.
Characteristics of training interventions
The training interventions involved a wide range of activities from
walking to dancing and circuit training, but were quite easily divided
into two groups: those that emphasized cardiovascular fitness in isolation
(aerobic) and those that combined cardiovascular fitness training
with strength training (combination). The studies were also coded
with respect to the duration of the training session (short, 15–30 min;
moderate, 31–45 min; and long, 46–60 min) and the length of the exercise
intervention (short, 1–3 months; medium, 4–6 months; and
long, 6 months). Finally, each study was coded with respect to the
relative amount of cardiovascular improvement shown in the participants,
based on either estimated or actual VO2
peak or max scores
(unreported; moderate, 5–11%; and large, 12–25%).