Executive functions, physical fitness and mobility in well-functioning older adults

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the relationships between executive functions, physical fitness and mobility in well-functioning older adults. Forty-eight well functioning older adults (70.5±5.3years old; 20 men, 28 women) were included in this study. Two median splits were conducted based on each individual's performance for the 10MWT and TUG. Comparisons between groups of slower and faster individuals were made with regard to executive functions and physical fitness parameters. A correlational approach was used to assess the association between variables.Between groups comparisons revealed that faster individuals in mobility tests demonstrate better performances in measures of cognitive flexibility (0.68<g<0.90). After including covariates from the medical/social domain, significant correlations were established between faster mobility tests and better cognitive flexibility (TUG: r=0.565; 10MWT: r=0.324). Between groups comparisons also revealed that faster individuals in mobility tests presented higher physical fitness levels (aerobic: 0.49<g<0.77, strength: 0.34<g<1.31). Significant correlations were found between better physical fitness and better cognitive flexibility (strength: r=−0.380; VO2 peak: r=−0.325) even after including age, education, fat-free mass and gender as covariates. These results suggest that the TUG and the 10MWT could potentially help distinguish individuals with poor neuromuscular, aerobic and cognitive flexibility performances.