Abstract
PURPOSE: To assess the moderating influence of time spent engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on the known inverse relationship between adiposity and cognitive control. METHODS: Bivariate correlations and hierarchical linear regression analyses were conducted among a sample of adults between 25-45 years (N= 65, 39 females). Subjects completed a modified version of the Eriksen Flanker task to assess cognitive control, specifically attentional inhibition. Whole body adiposity (%Fat) was assessed using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). Daily percent time spent engaging in MVPA (> 1951 counts per minute) was monitored using an accelerometer (Actigraph GT3X+) worn for at least 4 days (minimum 8 hours/day). RESULTS: After adjusting for significant demographic variables (age and IQ), %Fat was a negative predictor of attentional inhibition (β = -0.32, P = 0.02) such that those with higher %Fat exhibited lower inhibitory control, as measured by incongruent Flanker task accuracy. Interestingly, the negative effect of %Fat (β = -0.21, P = 0.13) was mediated after controlling for the influence of %MVPA. Furthermore, hierarchical linear regression analyses revealed an added positive effect of %MVPA on incongruent Flanker task accuracy (β = 0.30, P = 0.03), with those spending a higher percentage of time engaged in MVPA demonstrating higher attentional inhibition. CONCLUSIONS: Although previous research has examined the relationship between excess fat mass and cognitive function, the influence of habitual physical activity in moderating this relationship has received comparatively less attention. These results replicate previous work linking excess fat mass to lower cognitive control while extending the body of literature by demonstrating that habitual moderate to vigorous activity mediates this influence while independently and positively predicting cognitive control. These findings have implications for public health policy advocating for greater daily MVPA for cognitive health among adult populations. Funded by the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health at the University of Illinois and the Hass Avocado Board.
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