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Open AccessArticle

A Large Video Set of Natural Human Actions for Visual and Cognitive Neuroscience Studies and Its Validation with fMRI

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Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010061 - 29 Dec 2022

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Abstract

The investigation of the perception of others’ actions and underlying neural mechanisms has been hampered by the lack of a comprehensive stimulus set covering the human behavioral repertoire. To fill this void, we present a video set showing 100 human actions recorded in [...] Read more.

The investigation of the perception of others’ actions and underlying neural mechanisms has been hampered by the lack of a comprehensive stimulus set covering the human behavioral repertoire. To fill this void, we present a video set showing 100 human actions recorded in natural settings, covering the human repertoire except for emotion-driven (e.g., sexual) actions and those involving implements (e.g., tools). We validated the set using fMRI and showed that observation of the 100 actions activated the well-established action observation network. We also quantified the videos’ low-level visual features (luminance, optic flow, and edges). Thus, this comprehensive video set is a valuable resource for perceptual and neuronal studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Bench to Bedside: Motor-Cognitive Interactions)

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Open AccessArticle

Hand and Foot Selection in Mental Body Rotations Involves Motor-Cognitive Interactions

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Stephan Frederic Dahm

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Emiko J. Muraki

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Penny M. Pexman

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(11), 1500; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12111500 - 04 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 715

Abstract

Action imagery involves the mental representation of an action without overt execution, and can contribute to perspective taking, such as that required for left-right judgments in mental body rotation tasks. It has been shown that perspective (back view, front view), rotational angle (head-up, [...] Read more.

Action imagery involves the mental representation of an action without overt execution, and can contribute to perspective taking, such as that required for left-right judgments in mental body rotation tasks. It has been shown that perspective (back view, front view), rotational angle (head-up, head-down), and abstractness (abstract, realistic) of the stimulus material influences speed and correctness of the judgement. The present studies investigated whether left-right judgements are more difficult on legs than on arms and whether the type of limb interacts with the other factors. Furthermore, a combined score for speed and accuracy was explored to eliminate possible tradeoffs and to obtain the best possible measure of subjects’ individual ability. Study 1 revealed that the front view is more difficult than the back view because it involves a vertical rotation in perspective taking. Head-down rotations are more difficult than head-up rotations because they involve a horizontal rotation in perspective taking. Furthermore, leg stimuli are more difficult than hand stimuli, particularly in head-down rotations. In Study 2, these findings were replicated in abstract stimuli as well as in realistic stimuli. In addition, perspective taking for realistic stimuli in the back view is easier than realistic stimuli in the front view or abstract stimuli (in both perspectives). We conclude that realistic stimulus material facilitates task comprehension and amplifies the effects of perspective. By replicating previous findings, the linear speed-accuracy score was shown to be a valid measure to capture performance in mental body rotations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Bench to Bedside: Motor-Cognitive Interactions)

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Open AccessArticle

Profiles of Motor-Cognitive Interference in Parkinson’s Disease—The Trail-Walking-Test to Discriminate between Motor Phenotypes

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Thomas J. Klotzbier

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Nadja Schott

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Quincy J. Almeida

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(9), 1217; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12091217 - 09 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 979

Abstract

Background and Aims. Most research on Parkinson’s disease (PD) focuses on describing symptoms and movement characteristics. Studies rarely focus on the early detection of PD and the search for suitable markers of a prodromal stage. Early detection is important, so treatments that may [...] Read more.

Background and Aims. Most research on Parkinson’s disease (PD) focuses on describing symptoms and movement characteristics. Studies rarely focus on the early detection of PD and the search for suitable markers of a prodromal stage. Early detection is important, so treatments that may potentially change the course of the disease can be attempted early on. While gait disturbances are less pronounced in the early stages of the disease, the prevalence, and severity increase with disease progression. Therefore, postural instability and gait difficulties could be identified as sensitive biomarkers. The aim was to evaluate the discriminatory power of the Trail-Walking Test (TWT; Schott, 2015) as a potential diagnostic instrument to improve the predictive power of the clinical evaluation concerning the severity of the disease and record the different aspects of walking. Methods. A total of 20 older healthy (M = 72.4 years, SD = 5.53) adults and 43 older adults with PD and the motor phenotypes postural instability/gait difficulty (PIGD; M = 69.7 years, SD = 8.68) and tremor dominant (TD; M = 68.2 years, SD = 8.94) participated in the study. The participants performed a motor-cognitive dual task (DT) of increasing cognitive difficulty in which they had to walk a given path (condition 1), walk to numbers in ascending order (condition 2), and walk to numbers and letters alternately and in ascending order (condition 3). Results. With an increase in the cognitive load, the time to complete the tasks (seconds) became longer in all groups, F(1.23, 73.5) = 121, p < 0.001, ɳ²_p = 0.670. PIGD showed the longest times in all conditions of the TWT, F(2, 60) = 8.15, p < 0.001, ɳ²_p = 0.214. Mutual interferences in the cognitive and motor domain can be observed. However, clear group-specific patterns cannot be identified. A differentiation between the motor phenotypes of PD is especially feasible with the purely motor condition (TWT-M; AUC = 0.685, p = 0.44). Conclusions. PD patients with PIGD must be identified by valid, well-evaluated clinical tests that allow for a precise assessment of the disease’s individual fall risk, the severity of the disease, and the prognosis of progression. The TWT covers various aspects of mobility, examines the relationship between cognitive functions and walking, and enables differentiation of the motor phenotypes of PD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Bench to Bedside: Motor-Cognitive Interactions)

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Open AccessArticle

The Remapping of Peripersonal Space in a Real but Not in a Virtual Environment

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Brain Sci. 2022, 12(9), 1125; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12091125 - 24 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1872

Abstract

One of the most surprising features of our brain is the fact that it is extremely plastic. Among the various plastic processes supported by our brain, there is the neural representation of the space surrounding our body, the peripersonal space (PPS). The effects [...] Read more.

One of the most surprising features of our brain is the fact that it is extremely plastic. Among the various plastic processes supported by our brain, there is the neural representation of the space surrounding our body, the peripersonal space (PPS). The effects of real-world tool use on the PPS are well known in cognitive neuroscience, but little is still known whether similar mechanisms also govern virtual tool use. To this purpose, the present study investigated the plasticity of the PPS before and after a real (Experiment 1) or virtual motor training with a tool (Experiment 2). The results show the expansion of the PPS only following real-world tool use but not virtual use, highlighting how the two types of training potentially rely on different processes. This study enriches the current state of the art on the plasticity of PPS in real and virtual environments. We discuss our data with respect to the relevance for the development of effective immersive environment for trainings, learning and rehabilitation. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Prediction of Cognitive Degeneration in Parkinson’s Disease Patients Using a Machine Learning Method

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Brain Sci. 2022, 12(8), 1048; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12081048 - 07 Aug 2022

Viewed by 1035

Abstract

This study developed a predictive model for cognitive degeneration in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) using a machine learning method. The clinical data, plasma biomarkers, and neuropsychological test results of patients with PD were collected and utilized as model predictors. Machine learning methods [...] Read more.

This study developed a predictive model for cognitive degeneration in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) using a machine learning method. The clinical data, plasma biomarkers, and neuropsychological test results of patients with PD were collected and utilized as model predictors. Machine learning methods comprising support vector machines (SVMs) and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied to obtain a cognitive classification model. Using 32 comprehensive predictive parameters, the PCA-SVM classifier reached 92.3% accuracy and 0.929 area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Furthermore, the accuracy could be increased to 100% and the AUC to 1.0 in a PCA-SVM model using only 13 carefully chosen features. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Bench to Bedside: Motor-Cognitive Interactions)

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Open AccessArticle

Using Interaction between Cognitive and Motor Impairment for Risk Screening of Major Neurocognitive Disorders: Results of the EPIDOS Observational Cohort Study

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Brain Sci. 2022, 12(8), 1021; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12081021 - 31 Jul 2022

Viewed by 1028

Abstract

Background and purpose: Cognitive and motor impairments are risk factors of major neurocognitive disorders (MNCD). Inability to name the date and use of a walking aid and/or history of falls are two items which are surrogate measures of cognitive and motor impairments. This [...] Read more.

Background and purpose: Cognitive and motor impairments are risk factors of major neurocognitive disorders (MNCD). Inability to name the date and use of a walking aid and/or history of falls are two items which are surrogate measures of cognitive and motor impairments. This study aims to examine the association of inability to name the date (i.e., cognitive impairment), use of a walking aid and/or history of falls (i.e., motor impairment) and their combination with incident MNCD in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: A total of 709 participants (mean age 79.8 ± 3.7; 100% female) of the EPIDémiologie de l’OStéoporose (EPIDOS) study recruited in Toulouse (France) were selected for this study. EPIDOS is an observational population-based cohort study with a 7-year follow-up period for Toulouse participants. Inability to name the date and use of a walking aid and/or history of falls were collected at baseline. Incident MNCD and their type (i.e., Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and non-AD) were diagnosed at the end of the 7-year follow-up. Results: Overall incidence of MNCD was 29.1%. Cox regressions revealed that inability to name the date and its combination with use of a walking aid and/or history of falls was associated with a significant increased incidence of MNCD (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.10 with p = 0.003 and HR = 1.81 with p = 0.011, respectively) and AD (HR =1.13 with p = 0.003 and HR = 2.80 with p = 0.016, respectively). Conclusions: Increased incident MNCD was reported when inability to name the date and use of a walking aid and/or history of falls were combined, suggesting that this combination of items may be used for risk screening of MNCD in the older population, especially for incident AD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Bench to Bedside: Motor-Cognitive Interactions)

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Speech and Cognitive Load on Balance and Timed up and Go

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Brain Sci. 2022, 12(8), 1018; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12081018 - 31 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 927

Abstract

The interaction between oral and/or mental cognitive tasks and postural control and mobility remains unclear. The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of speech production and cognitive load levels on static balance and timed up and go (TUG) during dual-task [...] Read more.

The interaction between oral and/or mental cognitive tasks and postural control and mobility remains unclear. The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of speech production and cognitive load levels on static balance and timed up and go (TUG) during dual-task activities. Thirty healthy young subjects (25 ± 4 years old, 17 women) participated in this study. A control situation and two different cognitive arithmetic tasks were tested: counting backward in increments of 3 and 7 under oral (O) and mental (M) conditions during static balance and the TUG. We evaluated the dual-task cost (DTC) and the effect of speech production (SP) and the level of cognitive load (CL) on these variables. There was a significant increase in the centre of pressure oscillation velocity in static balance when the dual task was performed orally compared to the control situation The DTC was more pronounced for the O than for the M. The SP, but not the CL, had a significant effect on oscillation velocity. There was an increase in TUG associated with the cognitive load, but the mental or oral aspect did not seem to have an influence. Mobility is more affected by SP when the cognitive task is complex. This may be particularly important for the choice of the test and understanding postural control disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Bench to Bedside: Motor-Cognitive Interactions)

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Open AccessArticle

Factors Associated with Fear of Falling in Individuals with Different Types of Mild Cognitive Impairment

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Brain Sci. 2022, 12(8), 990; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12080990 - 26 Jul 2022

Viewed by 1200

Abstract

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered an intermediate state between normal aging and early dementia. Fear of falling (FOF) could be considered a risk indicator for falls and quality of life in individuals with MCI. Our objective was to explore factors associated with [...] Read more.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered an intermediate state between normal aging and early dementia. Fear of falling (FOF) could be considered a risk indicator for falls and quality of life in individuals with MCI. Our objective was to explore factors associated with FOF in those with MCI due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD-MCI) and mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD-MCI). Seventy-one participants were separated into two groups, AD-MCI (n = 37) and PD-MCI (n = 34), based on the disease diagnosis. FOF was assessed using the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale. The neuropsychological assessment and gait assessment were also measured. FOF was significantly correlated with global cognitive function, attention and working memory, executive function, Tinetti assessment scale scores, gait speed, and stride length in the AD-MCI group. Moreover, attention and working memory were the most important factors contributing to FOF. In the PD-MCI group, FOF was significantly correlated with gait speed, and time up and go subtask performance. Furthermore, turn-to-walk was the most important factor contributing to FOF. We noted that FOF in different types of MCI was determined by different factors. Therapies that aim to lower FOF in AD-MCI and PD-MCI populations may address attention and working memory and turn-to-walk, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Bench to Bedside: Motor-Cognitive Interactions)

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Open AccessArticle

The Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery Neuromotor Tasks: From Conventional to Image-Derived Measures

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Brain Sci. 2022, 12(6), 757; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12060757 - 08 Jun 2022

Viewed by 1263

Abstract

Background: Sensorimotor difficulties significantly interfere with daily activities, and when undiagnosed in early life, they may increase the risk of later life cognitive and mental health disorders. Subtests from the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery (LNNB) discriminate sensorimotor impairments predictive of sensorimotor dysfunction. However, scoring [...] Read more.

Background: Sensorimotor difficulties significantly interfere with daily activities, and when undiagnosed in early life, they may increase the risk of later life cognitive and mental health disorders. Subtests from the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery (LNNB) discriminate sensorimotor impairments predictive of sensorimotor dysfunction. However, scoring the LNNB sensorimotor assessment is highly subjective and time consuming, impeding the use of this task in epidemiologic studies. Aim: To train and validate a novel automated and image-derived scoring approach to the LNNB neuro-motor tasks for use in adolescents and young adults. Methods: We selected 46 adolescents (19.6 +/− 2.3 years, 48% male) enrolled in the prospective Public Health Impact of Metal Exposure (PHIME) study. We visually recorded the administration of five conventional sensorimotor LNNB tasks and developed automated scoring alternatives using a novel mathematical approach combining optic flow fields from recorded image sequences on a frame-by-frame basis. We then compared the conventional and image-derived LNNB task scores using Pearson’s correlations. Finally, we provided the accuracy of the novel scoring approach with Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the ROC curves (AUC). Results: Image-derived LNNB task scores strongly correlated with conventional scores, which were assessed and confirmed by multiple administrators to limit subjectivity (Pearson’s correlation ≥ 0.70). The novel image-derived scoring approach discriminated participants with low motility (<mean population levels) with a specificity ranging from 70% to 83%, with 70% sensitivity. Conclusions: The novel image-derived LNNB task scores may contribute to the timely assessment of sensorimotor abilities and delays, and may also be effectively used in telemedicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Bench to Bedside: Motor-Cognitive Interactions)

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Review

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Open AccessReview

The Impact of Motor-Cognitive Dual-Task Training on Physical and Cognitive Functions in Parkinson’s Disease

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Yi Xiao

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Tianmi Yang

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Huifang Shang

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(3), 437; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13030437 - 03 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1002

Abstract

Rehabilitation is a high-potential approach to improving physical and cognitive functions in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Dual-task training innovatively combines motor and cognitive rehabilitation in a comprehensive module. Patients perform motor and cognitive tasks at the same time in dual-task training. The previous studies [...] Read more.

Rehabilitation is a high-potential approach to improving physical and cognitive functions in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Dual-task training innovatively combines motor and cognitive rehabilitation in a comprehensive module. Patients perform motor and cognitive tasks at the same time in dual-task training. The previous studies of dual-task training in PD had high heterogeneity and achieved controversial results. In the current review, we aim to summarize the current evidence of the effect of dual-task training on motor and cognitive functions in PD patients to support the clinical practice of dual-task training. In addition, we also discuss the current opinions regarding the mechanism underlying the interaction between motor and cognitive training. In conclusion, dual-task training is suitable for PD patients with varied disease duration to improve their motor function. Dual-task training can improve motor symptoms, single-task gait speed, single-task steep length, balance, and objective experience of freezing of gait in PD. The improvement in cognitive function after dual-task training is mild. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Bench to Bedside: Motor-Cognitive Interactions)

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Open AccessReview

Impact of Physical Exercise Alone or in Combination with Cognitive Remediation on Cognitive Functions in People with Schizophrenia: A Qualitative Critical Review

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Brain Sci. 2023, 13(2), 320; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13020320 - 14 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 924

Abstract

Physical exercise and cognitive remediation represent the psychosocial interventions with the largest basis of evidence attesting their effectiveness in improving cognitive performance in people living with schizophrenia according to recent international guidance. The aims of this review are to provide an overview of [...] Read more.

Physical exercise and cognitive remediation represent the psychosocial interventions with the largest basis of evidence attesting their effectiveness in improving cognitive performance in people living with schizophrenia according to recent international guidance. The aims of this review are to provide an overview of the literature on physical exercise as a treatment for cognitive impairment in schizophrenia and of the studies that have combined physical exercise and cognitive remediation as an integrated rehabilitation intervention. Nine meta-analyses and systematic reviews on physical exercise alone and seven studies on interventions combining physical exercise and cognitive remediation are discussed. The efficacy of physical exercise in improving cognitive performance in people living with schizophrenia is well documented, but more research focused on identifying moderators of participants response and optimal modalities of delivery is required. Studies investigating the effectiveness of integrated interventions report that combining physical exercise and cognitive remediation provides superior benefits and quicker improvements compared to cognitive remediation alone, but most studies included small samples and did not explore long-term effects. While physical exercise and its combination with cognitive remediation appear to represent effective treatments for cognitive impairment in people living with schizophrenia, more evidence is currently needed to better understand how to implement these treatments in psychiatric rehabilitation practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Bench to Bedside: Motor-Cognitive Interactions)

Other

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Open AccessSystematic Review

Benefits of Treadmill Training for Patients with Down Syndrome: A Systematic Review

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Brain Sci. 2023, 13(5), 808; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13050808 - 16 May 2023

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Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of various results of treadmill training in children and adults with Down syndrome (DS). Methods: To provide an overview of this effectiveness, we conducted a systematic literature review of studies in which [...] Read more.

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of various results of treadmill training in children and adults with Down syndrome (DS). Methods: To provide an overview of this effectiveness, we conducted a systematic literature review of studies in which participants with DS from all age groups received treadmill training, alone or combined with physiotherapy. We also looked for comparisons with control groups of patients with DS who did not undergo treadmill training. The search was performed in medical databases: PubMed, PEDro, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science, and included trials published until February 2023. Following PRISMA criteria, the risk of bias assessment was conducted using a tool developed by the Cochrane Collaboration for RCT. The selected studies presented multiple outcomes with differences in methodology; therefore, we were not able to conduct any sort of data synthesis, so we present measures of treatment effect as mean differences and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Results: We selected 25 studies for the analysis with a total number of 687 participants, and identified 25 different outcomes which are presented in a narrative manner. In all outcomes we observed positive results favoring the treadmill training. Discussion: Introducing treadmill exercise into typical physiotherapy generates improvement in mental and physical health of people with DS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Bench to Bedside: Motor-Cognitive Interactions)

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Open AccessSystematic Review

Cognitive and Academic Outcomes of Fundamental Motor Skill and Physical Activity Interventions Designed for Children with Special Educational Needs: A Systematic Review

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Brain Sci. 2022, 12(8), 1001; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12081001 - 28 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1662

Abstract

This systematic review aimed to investigate the methodological quality and the effects of fundamental motor skills and physical activity interventions on cognitive and academic skills in 3- to 7-year-old children with special educational needs. The review was reported in accordance with the Preferred [...] Read more.

This systematic review aimed to investigate the methodological quality and the effects of fundamental motor skills and physical activity interventions on cognitive and academic skills in 3- to 7-year-old children with special educational needs. The review was reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) statement. A literature search was carried out in April 2020 (updated in January 2022) using seven electronic databases, including ERIC, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed with Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) Quality Assessment Tool. Cohen’s d effect sizes and post-hoc power analyses were conducted for the included studies. Altogether 22 studies (1883 children) met the inclusion criteria, representing children at-risk for learning difficulties, due to family background (n_studies = 8), children with learning difficulties (n_studies = 7), learning disabilities (n_studies = 5), and physical disabilities (n_studies = 2). Two of the included 22 studies displayed strong, one moderate, and 19 studies weak methodological quality. The intervention effects appeared to be somewhat dependent on the severity of the learning difficulty; in cognitive and language skills, the effects were largest in children at-risk due to family background, whereas in executive functions the effects were largest in children with learning disabilities. However, due to the vast heterogeneity of the included studies, and a rather low methodological quality, it is challenging to summarize the findings in a generalizable manner. Thus, additional high-quality research is required to determine the effectiveness of the interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Bench to Bedside: Motor-Cognitive Interactions)

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