Paul D Loprinzi1, Meghan K Edwards1, Elizabeth Crush1, Toshikazu Ikuta2, Alberto Del Arco1. 1. 1 Department of Health, Exercise Science and Recreation Management, The University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, USA. 2. 2 Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Previous research demonstrates a favorable effect of physical activity on cognitive function among older adults. The potential dose-response relationship between physical activity and cognitive function in this population is less understood, which was the purpose of this study. SETTING: Data from the 1999 to 2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were employed. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 2157 older adults aged 60 to 85 years. MEASURES: Cognitive function was assessed from the Digit Symbol Substitution Test. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), expressed as metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-min-month (MET-min-month = days × duration × MET level), was assessed via self-report, with 5 MVPA categories evaluated: (1) <2000 MVPA MET-min-month, (2) 2000 to 3999 MVPA MET-min-month, (3) 4000 to 5999 MVPA MET-min-month, (4) 6000 to 7999 MVPA MET-min-month, and (5) 8000+ MVPA MET-min-month. ANALYSIS: Weighted multivariable linear regression. RESULTS: An inverted U-shaped relationship was observed. Consistent across several adjusted models, those who engaged in 6000 to 7999 MVPA MET-min-month had the highest cognitive function score. CONCLUSION: The results suggest an optimal amount of physical activity to prevent the cognitive decline associated with aging.
PURPOSE: Previous research demonstrates a favorable effect of physical activity on cognitive function among older adults. The potential dose-response relationship between physical activity and cognitive function in this population is less understood, which was the purpose of this study. SETTING: Data from the 1999 to 2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were employed. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 2157 older adults aged 60 to 85 years. MEASURES: Cognitive function was assessed from the Digit Symbol Substitution Test. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), expressed as metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-min-month (MET-min-month = days × duration × MET level), was assessed via self-report, with 5 MVPA categories evaluated: (1) <2000 MVPA MET-min-month, (2) 2000 to 3999 MVPA MET-min-month, (3) 4000 to 5999 MVPA MET-min-month, (4) 6000 to 7999 MVPA MET-min-month, and (5) 8000+ MVPA MET-min-month. ANALYSIS: Weighted multivariable linear regression. RESULTS: An inverted U-shaped relationship was observed. Consistent across several adjusted models, those who engaged in 6000 to 7999 MVPA MET-min-month had the highest cognitive function score. CONCLUSION: The results suggest an optimal amount of physical activity to prevent the cognitive decline associated with aging.
Authors: Erin E Dooley; Priya Palta; Dana L Wolff-Hughes; Pablo Martinez-Amezcua; John Staudenmayer; Richard P Troiano; Kelley Pettee Gabriel Journal: Med Sci Sports Exerc Date: 2022-04-06