Midlife Physical Activity Research Articles

Associations of Physical Activity Engagement with Cerebral Amyloid-β and Tau from Midlife.

Higher midlife physical activity engagement has been associated with lower dementia risk in late life. However, the underlying mechanisms contributing to the protective effect remain unclear. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the associations of physical activity with cerebral amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau in a predominately middle-aged community-based cohort, as well as to explore whether the associations differ by sex or age. Participants from the Framingham Heart Study underwent 11C-Pittsburgh Compound B amyloid and 18F-Flortaucipir tau positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Total physical activity levels were evaluated by self-report using the Physical Activity Index (PAI). Cross-sectional associations between total PAI with regional Aβ and tau PET retention were evaluated using linear regression models adjusted for demographic and cardiovascular risk factors. Interactions with sex and age group were examined and stratified analyses were performed when significant. FDR-correction for multiple comparisons was applied. The sample included 354 participants (mean age 53±8 years, 51% female). Higher total PAI scores were associated with lower entorhinal cortex tau PET binding (β(SE) = -0.021(0.008), p = 0.049). There were significant interactions with sex. In men alone, total PAI inversely associated with entorhinal cortex (β(SE) = -0.035(0.009), p = 0.001), inferior temporal (β(SE) = -0.029(0.010), p = 0.012), and rhinal cortex tau(β(SE) = -0.033(0.010), p = 0.002). The results suggest that higher midlife physical activity engagement may confer resistance to tau pathology. However, the effects may vary based on sex, highlighting the importance of better understanding and tailoring lifestyle interventions to address sex disparities.

Does cardiorespiratory fitness mediate or moderate the association between mid-life physical activity frequency and cognitive function? findings from the 1958 British birth cohort study

Does cardiorespiratory fitness mediate or moderate the association between mid-life physical activity frequency and cognitive function? findings from the 1958 British birth cohort study

Premorbid physical activity and prognosis after incident myocardial infarction: The atherosclerosis risk in communities study

High to moderate levels of physical activity (PA) are associated with low risk of incident cardiovascular disease. However, it is unclear whether the benefits of PA in midlife extend to cardiovascular health following myocardial infarction (MI) in later life. Among 1,111 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study participants with incident MI during Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities follow-up (mean age 73 [SD 9] years at MI, 54% men, 21% Black), PA on average 11.9 (SD 6.9) years prior to incident MI (premorbid PA) was evaluated as the average score of PA between visit 1 (1987-1989) and visit 3 (1993-1995) using a modified Baecke questionnaire. Total and domain-specific PA (sport, nonsport leisure, and work PA) was analyzed for associations with composite and individual outcomes of mortality, recurrent MI, and stroke after index MI using multivariable Cox models. During a median follow-up of 4.6 (IQI 1.0-10.5) years after incident MI, 823 participants (74%) developed a composite outcome. The 10-year cumulative incidence of the composite outcome was lower in the highest, as compared to the lowest tertile of premorbid total PA (56% vs. 70%, respectively). This association remained statistically significant even after adjusting for potential confounders (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.80 [0.67-0.96] for the highest vs. lowest tertile). For individual outcomes, high premorbid total PA was associated with a low risk of recurrent MI (corresponding aHR 0.64 [0.44, 0.93]). When domain-specific PA was analyzed, similar results were seen for sport and work PA. The association was strongest in the first year following MI (e.g., aHR of composite outcome 0.66 [95% CI 0.47, 0.91] for the highest vs. lowest tertile of total PA). Premorbid PA was associated positively with post-MI cardiovascular health. Our results demonstrate the additional prognostic advantages of PA beyond reducing the risk of incident MI.

Abstract MP65: Multimorbidity Trajectories From Early Adulthood and Current and Subsequent Accelerometer-Measured Sedentary and Physical Activity Behaviors in Midlife: Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study

Introduction: Multimorbidity, having two or more chronic diseases, can lead to functional limitations. However limited data exist on the associations of multimorbidity during the early life-course with physical activity (PA). We assessed the hypothesis that patterns of multimorbidity accumulation from early to mid- adulthood is associated with differences in 1) concurrent PA and 2) changes in PA during midlife. Methods: We analyzed subsamples of CARDIA participants who wore an accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X) on the waist ≥4 days with ≥10 hr/day during the Year 30 (2015-16; n = 1425) and again at Year 35 (2020-22; n = 745 of 1425) follow-up exams. Accelerometer estimates included time (min/day) spent in sedentary (SB), light intensity (LPA), or moderate to vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) behaviors. Six identified latent trajectories of early- to mid- life multimorbidity based on age and rate of accumulation included: 1) mid-20s fast; 2) mid-20s slow; 3) late-20s fast; 4) mid-30s fast; 5) mid-40s fast; and 6) early-50s slow [referent]. Linear models were used to estimate differences in 1) behaviors at Year 30 and 2) relative change (%) from Year 30 to Year 35 by multimorbidity trajectory, after adjustment. Results: CARDIA adults (overall: 62% female, 45% Black, mean age = 55 at Year 30) in the early-50s slow group had the highest MVPA (54.5 min/day) and LPA (348 min/day) and least SB (515 min/day) (unadjusted χ 2 : p < 0.01). At Year 30, when compared to early-50s slow, mid-20s slow had lower LPA (β = -17.1, p = 0.003) and late-20s fast had lower MVPA (β = -12.0, p < 0.001) after covariate adjustment. No significant differences in 5-year relative change in any activity were found by multimorbidity trajectory (Figure). Conclusions: In this prospective cohort, adults who accumulated disease later (early-50s) had higher PA at midlife. Changes in midlife PA and SB did not differ by multimorbidity trajectory, however this was a relatively short follow-up. Additional follow-up will provide clarity as CARDIA participants transition into older adulthood.

Life-course social participation and physical activity in midlife: longitudinal associations in the 1970 British Cohort Study (BCS70)

A hypothesized benefit of social participation is that it encourages people to be more physically active. However, limited evidence exists on the association between social participation over the life-course and physical activity in midlife. We sought to apply a life-course framework to examine the association of social participation and device measured physical activity in midlife in the UK. We used the 1970 British Birth Cohort Study (BCS70), which includes all people born in Britain during a single week in 1970. Social participation was assessed at ages 16, 30, 34 and 42. Physical activity was measured by accelerometery at age 46, as mean daily step count and time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The associations of social participation and physical activity were tested using two different life-course models: the sensitive period model and the accumulation model. Individuals with medium and high participation compared to no social participation over their life-course had higher mean daily step count and MVPA in midlife, supporting the accumulation model. In the sensitive period model, only those that actively participated at age 42 had higher mean daily steps and MVPA compared to those who did not participate. Our study provides empirical evidence on the importance of sustaining social participation at all ages over the life-course rather than at a particular timepoint of someone’s life. If our findings reflect causal effects, interventions to promote social participation throughout the life-course could be an avenue to promote physical activity in middle life.

Socioeconomic variation in modifiable risk factors for dementia

AbstractBackgroundMost studies on modifiable risk factors for dementia are in relatively affluent populations, but dementia risk is higher among those who are more materially deprived. We aimed to consider whether this is accounted for by potentially modifiable risk factors, and compare the overall population attributable fraction (PAF) in the least and most socioeconomically deprived participants within the UK Biobank (UKB).MethodThe UKB is a cohort study with 502,656 volunteer participants registered between 2006‐2010, aged 40‐60 years at baseline, and followed for up to 16.8 years. Material deprivation was quantified using the Townsend Deprivation Index grouped into quintiles, with higher scores meaning higher deprivation. We assessed interactions between Townsend quintiles (using least deprived as reference), and each modifiable risk factor. To estimate the PAFs of 12 modifiable risk factors (diabetes, hypertension, depression, hearing loss, obesity, traumatic brain injury, less education, social isolation, physical inactivity, air pollution, and smoking), we first estimated hazard ratios (HRs) (adjusted for age, gender, and ethnicity) stratified by Townsend. HRs were then converted to relative risk for PAF calculation.Results6,624 incident cases of dementia developed in 1.6%(95%CI = 1.5‐1.7)(n = 11679/10369) of participants in the most deprived group, compared to 1.2%(95%CI = 1.1‐1.3)(n = 1174/98074) in the least deprived group. The mean age at dementia diagnosis were 72.7 years(SD,6.3){in most deprived}, and 73.8 years(SD,5.1){in least deprived}. The combined PAF(95%CI) for dementia was 40.3%(40.0‐40.6){most deprived}, versus 27.2%(27.0‐27.5){least deprived}. The most deprived, compared to the least deprived, had higher PAFs for: (a)Midlife hypertension: 7.7%(7.6‐7.9) vs 4.1%(3.9‐4.2); (b)Less education: 5.8%(5.6‐5.9) vs 3.4%(3.2‐3.6); (c)Diabetes: 4.4%(4.3‐4.6) vs 3.1%(3.0‐3.2); (d)Physical inactivity: 3.5%(3.4‐3.6) vs 0.7%(0.6‐0.7);) (e)Social isolation: 3.4%(3.3‐3.5) vs 1.0%(1.0‐1.1); (f)Midlife obesity: 2.1%(2.0‐2.2) vs 1.2%(1.2‐1.3); and (g)Smoking 1.8%(1.7‐1.9) vs 0.5%(0.5‐0.6). Air pollution had a PAF of 1.8%(1.7‐1.9) in the least deprived, and 0.0% in the most deprived. The remaining risk factor PAFs did not differ between the most and least deprived.ConclusionsIn this volunteer cohort, which is relatively wealthy, a higher proportion of dementia cases were attributable to major modifiable risk factors in more socioeconomically disadvantaged participants. Targeted interventions particularly addressing midlife hypertension, education, physical activity and social isolation might mitigate known inequalities in dementia risk according to socioeconomic status.

Midlife physical activity engagement is associated with later-life brain health

The relationship between midlife physical activity (PA), and cognition and brain health in later life is poorly understood with conflicting results from previous research. Investigating the contribution of midlife PA to later-life cognition and brain health in high-risk populations will propel the development of health guidance for those most in need. The current study examined the association between midlife PA engagement and later-life cognition, grey matter characteristics and resting-state functional connectivity in older individuals at high-risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The association between midlife PA and later-life cognitive function was not significant but was moderated by later-life PA. Meanwhile, greater midlife moderate-to-vigorous PA was associated with greater grey matter surface area in the left middle frontal gyrus. Moreover, greater midlife total PA was associated with diminished functional connectivity between bilateral middle frontal gyri and middle cingulum, supplementary motor areas, and greater functional connectivity between bilateral hippocampi and right cerebellum, Crus II. These results indicate the potentially independent contribution of midlife PA to later-life brain health.

Self-reported mid- to late-life physical and recreational activities: Associations with late-life cognition.

Physical and recreational activities are behaviors that may modify risk of late-life cognitive decline. We sought to examine the role of retrospectively self-reported midlife (age 40) physical and recreational activity engagement - and self-reported change in these activities from age 40 to initial study visit - in predicting late-life cognition. Data were obtained from 898 participants in a longitudinal study of cognitive aging in demographically and cognitively diverse older adults (Age: range = 49-93 years, M = 75, SD = 7.19). Self-reported physical and recreational activity participation at age 40 and at the initial study visit were quantified using the Life Experiences Assessment Form. Change in activities was modeled using latent change scores. Cognitive outcomes were obtained annually (range = 2-17 years) using the Spanish and English Neuropsychological Assessment Scales, which measure verbal episodic memory, semantic memory, visuospatial processing, and executive functioning. Physical activity engagement at age 40 was strongly associated with cognitive performance in all four domains at the initial visit and with global cognitive slope. However, change in physical activities after age 40 was not associated with cognitive outcomes. In contrast, recreational activity engagement - both at age 40 and change after 40 - was predictive of cognitive intercepts and slope. Retrospectively self-reported midlife physical and recreational activity engagement were strongly associated with late-life cognition - both level of performance and rate of future decline. However, the data suggest that maintenance of recreational activity engagement (e.g., writing, taking classes, reading) after age 40 is more strongly associated with late-life cognition than continued maintenance of physical activity levels.

O.4.5-2 Participation in organized and unorganized sports in adolescence: associations with physical activity levels in adulthood

Abstract Purpose Participation in organized youth sports (OYS) has been linked to higher levels of physical activity (PA) in adulthood. However, the longitudinal associations of OYS and PA compared to unorganized sports and non-participation have not been extensively studied. This study aims to explore the associations of both organized and unorganized sports in adolescence with PA levels in midlife. Methods Participants in this study were drawn from the on-going, population-based prospective Young Finns Study. Data from follow-ups conducted in the years 1980, 1983, 1986, and 1989 were utilized to divide the participants into groups of active OYS, active unorganized sports, and non-participants, separately at the ages of 9 (n = 548), 12 (n = 727), 15 (n = 752), and 18 (n = 767). The groups were formed according to self-reported frequency and intensity of leisure time PA and participation in sports club activities in adolescence. Accelerometer-derived PA (mean daily minutes of sedentary time [ST], light-intensity PA [LPA], and moderate-to-vigorous PA [MVPA]) in midlife was assessed in 2018-2020. Differences in adult PA between the youth PA groups were analyzed using analysis of covariance, separately in males and females. Results Compared to non-participants, boys who actively participated in OYS at age 9 had lower ST (mean difference [SE]: -38 [15], p = 0.045) and higher LPA (29 [12], p = 0.050) in midlife. No significant group differences were observed for girls at age 9 or for either sex at age 12 or 15, or for boys at age 18. In girls at age 18, significant group differences were found in MVPA in midlife in favor of both organized and unorganized sports compared to non-participants (15 [3], p < 0.001; 8 [3], p = 0.014, respectively). Conclusions Active participation in organized sports in boys at age 9 and active participation in both organized and unorganized sports in girls at age 18 associated with higher levels of physical activity in midlife. These findings suggest that promoting both types of sports participation in adolescence may contribute to the development of a physically active lifestyle across the life course. Support/Funding Source The work was supported by the Ministry of Education and Culture.

Association of leisure-time physical activity and sedentary behavior with carotid atherosclerosis morphology: The ARIC carotid-MRI study

ObjectiveWe evaluated the prospective association of midlife leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and sedentary behavior (SB), and their temporal patterns, with MRI-measured carotid atherosclerotic morphology. MethodsParticipants enrolled in the Carotid MRI substudy (2004–2006) of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study and with self-reported assessments of LTPA and SB at visits 1 (1987–1989) and 3 (1993–1995) were included in this study. LTPA was ascertained using the ARIC/Baecke physical activity questionnaire and categorized according to the American Heart Association's metric of poor, intermediate, or ideal physical activity. SB, measured as TV viewing frequency, was categorized as high, medium, and low. We used multivariable adjusted linear and logistic regression models to examine the associations between midlife (visit 3 only) and persistent (visit 1 to 3) LTPA and TV viewing with carotid artery plaque burden and components. ResultsAmong the 1,582 (mean age: 59 years, 43% male, 18% Black) participants, 45.7%, 21.7%, and 32.6% reported ideal, intermediate, or poor LTPA, respectively. High TV viewing was reported in 33.8% of participants, with 46.4% and 19.8% reporting medium or low TV viewing, respectively. Compared to poor LTPA, ideal LTPA in midlife was not associated with total wall volume (ß=0.01, 95% CI: -0.01, 0.03), maximum carotid wall thickness (ß=0.06, 95% CI: -0.08, 0.21), normalized wall index (ß=-0.01, 95% CI: -0.03, 0.01), or maximum stenosis (ß=-0.11, 95% CI: -1.98, 1.76). Low or middle, compared to high, TV viewing was also not associated with carotid artery measures of plaque burden. Compared to poor LTPA or high TV viewing, ideal LTPA (odds ratio (OR): 0.82, 95% CI: 0.55, 1.23) and low TV viewing (OR=0.90, 95% CI: 0.56, 1.44) was not associated with odds of lipid core presence, respectively. ConclusionOverall, this study does not provide strong evidence for an association between LTPA and SB with carotid plaque measures.

Abstract P438: Physical Activity and Calcification of Coronary Arteries, Aorta, and Cardiac Valves: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Background: Regular physical activity (PA) has been associated with reduced risk of coronary heart disease, but conflicting results have been reported regarding its association with coronary artery calcification (CAC), one of the strongest predictors of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, different domains of PA (e.g., sports vs. work) and extra coronary calcification (ECC) have not been extensively studied in this context. Methods: We investigated 2,025 ARIC participants (age 73-95 years) who had no coronary heart disease and underwent a non-contrast cardiac-gated computed tomography scan at visit 7 (2018-19). PA was based on a modified Baecke questionnaire, which provides total and domain-specific (sport, non-sport leisure, and work) PA scores. We modeled the cumulative PA scores in middle-age at visit 1 (1987-89) and visit 3 (1993-95). We explored continuous CAC and ECC (log-transformed [Agatston score+1]) or any CAC and ECC (Agatston score >0 vs. 0) as dependent variables using linear regression and multivariable logistic models, as appropriate. Results: Higher total and domain-specific PA scores showed no association with lower CAC. Among ECC, descending aorta calcification demonstrated the strongest association with total PA scores (coefficient -0.10 [95% CI -0.21, 0.01], p=0.075) ( Figure ). When specific domains were explored, higher sport and work PA scores were significantly associated with lower descending aorta calcification. When we analyzed any CAC and ECC as the outcome variable, the results were generally consistent. Conclusions: Higher PA in midlife was associated with lower calcification of descending aorta in late life. Our results further support the health benefits of PA and unique pathological process across different vascular beds.

Abstract MP05: Prospective Associations of Midlife Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior With Brain Structure: The Cardia Study

Introduction: Strong evidence suggests physical activity may prevent cognitive decline. Less research has explored potential associations of physical activity with brain structure. This is an important research gap given that age related alterations in brain structure are thought to occur prior to signs of cognitive decline. Objective: To determine if accelerometer measured sedentary time (SED), light-intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) at ages 38-50 years are prospectively associated with brain structure. Methods: We studied 562 Black and White men and women enrolled in CARDIA who participated in the 2005-06 exam (baseline) and exams 5 (2010-11) and/or 10 years later (2015-16). SED, LPA, and MVPA were measured by the ActiGraph 7164 accelerometer at baseline. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to quantify whole brain, white matter, gray matter, and abnormal tissue volume of white matter at the 5- and/or 10-year follow-up. Compositional isotemporal substitution analysis examined associations of SED, LPA, and MVPA at baseline with repeated measures (unstructured covariance) of MRI measures at follow-up after accounting for intracranial volume and adjusting for confounders ( Table ). Results: Consistent with our hypothesis, substituting 30 minutes of SED to LPA was associated with 0.044% greater total white matter volume (95% CI: 0.001, 0.086). The effect size was larger when substituting SED to MVPA, but this association was not statistically significant. There were no associations observed between accelerometer measures and total brain, total gray matter, or abnormal white matter tissue volumes. Associations did not differ by sex or age. Conclusions: Statistical substitution of time from SED to higher intensity physical activity (LPA or MVPA) was associated with greater total white matter volume. It is unclear why this association was observed in white matter only. Additional research with longer follow-up is needed to confirm these findings.

Parenthood and changes in physical activity from early adulthood to mid-life among Finnish adults.

This study examined longitudinal associations between parenthood-related factors and physical activity from young adulthood to midlife over a 19-year follow-up period. Participants (n= 761) at the ongoing Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study responded to a self-report questionnaire in their adulthood (in 1992, 2001, 2007, and 2011). Participants were classified as meeting or not meeting an aerobic physical activity recommendation. Parenthood-related factors included the age of having their first child and the number and age of the children. Analyses of generalized estimation equations were performed and adjusted for several demographic and health-related covariates. Both mothers and fathers with children under 6 years were less likely to be involved in physical activity than participants without children. However, meeting the aerobic physical activity recommendations did not differ between parents with a youngest child who was 6 years old or older as compared to the childless participants. The older the youngest child was, the more likely the parents were to be physically active. Participants who became a parent relatively late, at the age of 30 or older, seemed less likely to meet the aerobic physical activity recommendation during follow-up than those who had their first child at the age of 26-29. The results indicate that parenthood does not seem to have a long-lasting negative impact on adults' physical activity, and the individuals reached a similar level of physical activity in midlife than they had before parenthood.

MIDLIFE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND HEARING IMPAIRMENT IN LATE LIFE: ATHEROSCLEROSIS RISK IN COMMUNITIES (ARIC) STUDY

Abstract Background Cardiovascular risk factors are associated with worse hearing, but the role of mid-life physical activity (PA) on hearing loss at older ages is yet to be investigated. Methods Among 3,198 participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study, we investigated the association between self-reported mid-life PA (meets PA recommendations [≥150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA/week] vs. not) and hearing loss (audiometric battery [pure-tone and speech-in-noise]) at older ages. We estimated differences in hearing between those who met and did not meet PA recommendations at mid-life and at late life adjusting for demographics, medical conditions, and noise exposure. Results 43.3% participants met PA recommendations at mid-life. These participants, compared to those who did not meet recommendations, had lower better hearing by 1.51 (0.46, 2.55) decibels, and 0.37 (0.01, 0.74) more words identified in the speech-in-noise test. Conclusions Meeting PA recommendations in mid-life was associated with better hearing at older ages.

Mid- and Late-Life Physical Activity and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Dementia-Free Older Adults: Mayo Clinic Study of Aging.

This study examined associations between physical activity (PA) and neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in older adults free of dementia. This cross-sectional study included 3,222 individuals ≥70 years of age (1,655 men; mean±SD age=79.2±5.6; cognitively unimpaired, N=2,723; mild cognitive impairment, N=499) from the population-based Mayo Clinic Study of Aging. PA (taken as a presumed predictor) in midlife (i.e., when participants were 50-65 years of age) and late life (i.e., the year prior to assessment) was assessed with a self-reported, validated questionnaire; PA intensity and frequency were used to calculate composite scores. NPS (taken as presumed outcomes) were assessed with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Regression analyses included midlife and late-life PA in each model, which were adjusted for age, sex, education, apolipoprotein E ɛ4 status, and medical comorbidity. Higher late-life PA was associated with lower odds of having apathy (OR=0.89, 95% CI=0.84-0.93), appetite changes (OR=0.92, 95% CI=0.87-0.98), nighttime disturbances (OR=0.95, 95% CI=0.91-0.99), depression (OR=0.94, 95% CI=0.90-0.97), irritability (OR=0.93, 95% CI=0.89-0.97), clinical depression (OR=0.92, 95% CI=0.88-0.97), and clinical anxiety (OR=0.90, 95% CI=0.86-0.94), as well as lower BDI-II (β estimate=-0.042, 95% CI=-0.051 to -0.033) and BAI (β estimate=-0.030, 95% CI=-0.040 to -0.021) scores. Higher midlife PA was associated only with higher BDI-II scores (β estimate=0.011, 95% CI=0.004 to 0.019). Sex modified the associations between PA and NPS. Late-life PA was associated with a lower likelihood of clinical depression or anxiety and subclinical NPS. These findings need to be confirmed in a cohort study.

Midlife and current physical activity is associated with functional brain connectivity in older age

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have shown a physically active lifestyle in both midlife and later life to benefit cognition and brain health in older age. However, exploring the influence of physical activity engagement on functional brain connectivity is needed to fully understand the neural mechanism underlying the effect of physical engagement. Additionally, in order to give lifestyle advice to different age groups, it is important to understand the unique contributions of physical activity at different life stages, which has rarely been examined.MethodThe current study investigated the effect of self‐reported midlife and current physical activity engagement on functional connectivity among 105 cognitively high functioning older adults (age = 66.6±4.1). Self‐reported midlife and current moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were recorded using the Lifetime Total Physical Activity Questionnaire. We included covariates in all analyses (i.e., age, sex, years of education, socioeconomic status, genetic risk of Alzheimer’s disease (i.e., APOE ε4 carrier status). Five regions of interest (ROIs) were selected based on previous literature on the relationship between exercise and brain health which included: prefrontal (i.e., bilateral superior frontal, middle frontal, and pars opercularis of the inferior frontal gyrus), and bilateral hippocampus.ResultResults showed that people who were active in midlife had greater functional connectivity between middle frontal gyrus and superior parietal region, postcentral gyrus (Voxel p<0.005, Cluster p<0.05 FDR corrected; figure 1a) than people who were relatively inactive in midlife. This effect stayed the same after controlling for current MVPA time. Secondly, the results showed that people who were active currently have greater functional connectivity between hippocampus and frontal pole (Voxel p<0.005, Cluster p<0.05 FDR corrected; figure 1b). Currently active participants also showed greater functional connectivity between pars triangularis of the inferior frontal gyrus, and bilateral middle temporal region, and frontal pole (Voxel p<0.001, Cluster p<0.05 FDR corrected; figure1c) compared to currently inactive participants, which stayed consistent after controlling for midlife MVPA time.ConclusionAs a conclusion, although midlife and current MVPA time were positively associated with each other, they both influence brain functional connectivity in later life independently. The results emphasize the importance of keeping a physically active lifestyle across midlife and into later life.

Joint Association of Diabetes and Physical Activity With Falls Among Midlife and Older Adults: 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

We examined joint associations of diabetes and physical activity (PA) with falls. Complex survey (cross-sectional) design using the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (Response rate was 53% (landline phones) and 46% (cellular phones)). National survey in the U.S. Adults ≥45years who self-reported diabetes status, PA, and falls (n = 295,282; 98.5% of eligible samples; N = 130,103,093) were classified into 4 groups: no diabetes-PA, no diabetes-no PA, diabetes-PA, diabetes-no PA. Self-reported PA, diabetes, falls, and major health characteristics. Poisson regression models were used to estimate the association of groups with any (≥1 fall) falls. Compared to no diabetes-active groups, no diabetes-inactive (Relative Risk (RR) = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.18, 1.26), diabetes-active (RR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.20, 1.30), and diabetes-inactive (RR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.41, 1.51) groups were more likely to report falls, independent of tested covariates. Leisure-time PA may mitigate the likelihood of falls in adults with and without diabetes. Our findings could be useful for healthcare providers or clinicians to promote the importance of PA in midlife and older adults who are at risk of falls and/or diabetes. More detailed longitudinal information on objectively-estimated PA and a more frequent fall calendar are warranted to prevent recall bias and temporal ambiguity (causality between PA and falls).

The Association Between Midlife Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Hearing Loss in Late Life in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.

Hearing loss is highly prevalent in older ages and has several health consequences. Some cardiovascular risk factors are associated with worse hearing at older ages. Still, the role of midlife leisure-time physical activity (PA) as a risk factor for hearing loss is yet to be investigated. Among 3198 participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study, we investigated the associations of midlife and change from mid- to late-life PA (assessed via modified Baecke questionnaire) with hearing loss (audiometric battery [worse-ear pure-tone average, and speech-in-noise test]) at older ages. We used regression analyses, adjusted for demographics, medical conditions, and noise exposure, to estimate differences in hearing between those who met and did not meet PA recommendations at midlife and at late life. A total of 1386 (43.3%) participants met PA recommendations at midlife. These participants, compared to those who did not meet recommendations, had lower (better) pure-tone average by 1.51 (0.46, 2.55) decibels, identified 0.37 (0.01, 0.74) more words (better score) in the speech-in-noise test, and had a lower relative risk of having hearing loss at older ages (eg, relative risk ratio for severe hearing loss vs normal hearing=0.70 [0.52, 0.95]). Similarly, those who persistently met PA recommendations from mid- to late life had, compared with those who did not, a better hearing at older ages. Meeting PA public health recommendations in midlife and mid- to late life was associated with better hearing at older ages and reduced risk of hearing loss. Promoting adequate levels of PA may be an essential component of hearing care.

Prenatal and postnatal correlates of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in midlife: evidence from the 1970 British Cohort Study

BackgroundIt is hypothesised that lifelong physical activity behaviours are established in early life, however there is minimal, and contradictory, evidence examining prenatal and postnatal factors in relation to adulthood physical...

Factors Related to Physical Activity in Midlife and Old Women with Depression

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of self-efficacy, social support, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms on physical activity in midlife and old-aged women with depression.Methods: Midlife and old women (<i>N</i>=83) diagnosed with depression were recruited from the psychiatry outpatient clinic in Seoul. Data were collected via self-report measures, and they were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and hierarchical multiple linear regression.Results: Physical activity had significant positive correlations with self-efficacy, social support, and self-esteem, and it had a significant negative correlation with depressive symptoms. In the hierarchical multiple regression model of physical activity (adjusted R<sup>2</sup>=.34, <i>p</i>=.003), self-efficacy (β=.47, <i>p</i><.001) and depressive symptoms (β=-.42, <i>p</i>=.003) were statistically significant.Conclusion: Self-efficacy and depressive symptoms are important factors influencing physical activity in midlife and old women with depression. To improve the physical activity of this population, nursing interventions should aim to promote self-efficacy and alleviate depressive symptoms.