Moderate to vigorous physical activity and sedentary time as predictors of cognitive function in older adults with hypertension: NHANES 2011‐2014

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundHypertension is associated with increased risk for cognitive decline. Lifestyle behaviors such as moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time (ST) may mitigate this decline, though limited research on the joint association exists. The aim of the study was to examine the joint association of MVPA and ST on cognitive function by hypertension status.MethodsAdults (n=2916, ≥60yrs) from the 2011‐2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were assessed for their participation in MVPA (meets recommendations: ≥150min MPA and/or ≥75min MPA vs does not meet recommendations: <150min MPA and <75min VPA), self‐reported ST (≤7hrs ST vs >7hrs ST), hypertension, and cognitive function (Digit Symbol Substitution Test [DSST]; Animal Fluency [AF] test). Weighted linear regression analyses were conducted to assess joint association of MVPA and ST on cognitive function, and test the modifying effect of hypertension status (alpha level set at 0.1) after adjustment for demographics, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, body mass index (BMI), and depression.ResultsSee Table. There were significant main effects for combined MVPA and ST on DSST (Wald F(3,30)=3.393, p=.031) and AF (Wald F(3,30)=17.33, p<.001). Participants who did not meet MVPA recommendations regardless of ST had significantly worse scores on DSST compared to participants who met MVPA recommendations and reported ≤7hr ST. Participants who did not meet MVPA recommendations and had ≤7hr ST had significantly worse scores on AF. There was a significant interaction between MVPA‐ST groups and hypertension status on AF (Wald F(3,30)=3.766, p=.021), but not on DSST. Stratified analyses indicated among individuals without hypertension significance was maintained. For participants with hypertension, not meeting MVPA recommendations regardless of ST was associated with significantly worse scores.ConclusionsIn a sample of adults, meeting recommendations for MVPA was associated with better cognitive outcomes regardless of ST. Among individuals with hypertension regular MVPA regardless of ST was significantly associated with higher scores on one measure of executive function. This research highlights the added importance for individuals with hypertension to participate in the recommended amount of MVPA.