Network Meta-Analysis of Exercise Interventions on Working Memory Capacity in College Students: A Comparative Study Based on Intervention Types

Background: Working memory is essential for college students’ academic success, yet modern sedentary and digitally distracted lifestyles threaten cognitive health. This network meta-analysis compared the effectiveness of six exercise modalities on working memory in this population. Methods: Following PRISMA-NMA guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD420261331066), we systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, SPORTDiscus, and CNKI for randomized controlled trials up to 13 February 2026. The primary outcome was reaction time on working memory tasks. We used frequentist random-effects network meta-analysis in Stata 18.0. Results: Thirty-five trials (2314 participants) were included. Compared to controls, significant benefits were found for aerobic exercise (SMD = −0.63, 95% CI: −0.94 to −0.32), mixed-modal training (SMD = −0.59, 95% CI: −0.92 to −0.26), HIIT (SMD = −0.56, 95% CI: −0.96 to −0.16), and resistance training (SMD = −0.48, 95% CI: −0.82 to −0.14). Ball sports and cognitive training showed no significant effects. HIIT and mixed-modal training ranked highest (SUCRA 80.3% and 76.0%). Chronic interventions (≥4 weeks) yielded larger effects than acute protocols. Direct comparisons among effective modalities revealed no significant differences. Conclusions: Aerobic-dominant exercise interventions were associated with moderate working memory improvements in college students, though the optimal type remains uncertain pending further comparative trials.