Abstract
BackgroundThis study explored the effects of physical activity and sedentary behaviour on the decline of cognitive ability among the elderly. To compensate for the limitations of self-reported physical activity, objective measures were used.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of 308 aged people mean 68.66 ± 5.377 years, in Nanjing, China, was conducted. Physical activity was measured using the ActiGraph GT3X+, and cognitive function was measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment.ResultsThe overall participant model, adjusted for age, BMI, education, and monthly average income, found that light physical activity (β = 0.006, p < 0.01), moderate-vigorous physical activity (β = 0.068, p < 0.001), and total physical activity (β = 0.006, p < 0.01) had a significant linear relationship with cognitive ability, while sedentary time did not (β = − 0.020, p>0.05). Further, light physical activity only affects the cognitive ability of elderly females (β = 0.006, p < 0.05). There was an inverted ‘U’ association between moderate-vigorous physical activity and cognitive ability. The association models found that moderate-vigorous physical activity in the 22.13 min·day− 1~38.79 min·day− 1 range affected cognitive ability most beneficially, with the highest beta coefficient among all groups (β = 0.091, p < 0.05).ConclusionsWhile physical activity can significantly improve cognitive ability among the elderly, sedentary behaviour is associated with decreased cognitive function across genders.
Highlights
This study explored the effects of physical activity and sedentary behaviour on the decline of cognitive ability among the elderly
Evidence-based studies show that physical activity and sedentary behaviour play an important role in cognitive function in older adults [9]
Accelerometers are a useful tool in this regard, as they allow researchers to measure total physical activity (TPA), including light physical activity (LPA), moderatevigorous physical activity (MVPA), and sedentary behaviour (SED) which are difficult to recall on self-report questionnaires [14]
Summary
This study explored the effects of physical activity and sedentary behaviour on the decline of cognitive ability among the elderly. The results, are controversial, especially considering that most of them are observational and rely on participants’ selfreported physical activity assessments, which may be affected by recall bias, cognitive ability, health status, and other factors, especially among older people. This is a limiting factor because the current state of cognitive function may affect an individual’s ability to accurately report their activity. The difference in the impact of physical activity on cognitive function between older men and women is unclear
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