Objective:

To evaluate the effects of exercise training interventions on TMS-derived neurophysiological markers and motor performance in healthy adults.

Approach:

• Method: label
• Method: text

Key Findings:

• Twelve RCTs met the inclusion criteria, providing 14 effect sizes for TMS-derived markers and 16 for motor performance.
• Pooled effects showed significant improvements for TMS-derived markers (Hedges' g = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.95) and motor performance (Hedges' g = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.93).
• Moderate heterogeneity was observed for both outcomes (I2 = 64.8% for TMS markers and 54.0% for motor performance).
• Exploratory subgroup analyses suggested differences by intervention duration and training modality, but findings were hypothesis-generating.

Interpretation:

Exercise training may improve motor performance and modulate TMS-derived neurophysiological markers; however, findings are limited by heterogeneity and small sample sizes.

Limitations:

• Moderate between-study heterogeneity and prediction intervals crossing zero.
• Small subgroup sizes and low statistical power in several trials.
• Insufficient evidence to establish the superiority of any specific training duration or modality.

Conclusion:

Current evidence suggests the need for further standardized, adequately powered RCTs to clarify the effects of exercise training on motor performance and neurophysiological markers.

Sources:

• Systematic Review Registration