Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Public Health and Surveillance
Date Submitted: Jun 9, 2023
Date Accepted: Mar 11, 2024
The relationship between physical exercise and cognitive function among older adults in China: A cross-sectional population-based study
ABSTRACT
Background:
The existing literature reveals several significant knowledge gaps that hinder healthcare providers in formulating exercise prescriptions for cognitive health.
Objective:
This study endeavors to elucidate the relationship between the level of physical activity and cognitive function in the older adults of China. Moreover, it seeks to explore the associations between distinct exercise behaviors—such as exercise types, the purpose motivating engagement in exercise, the accessibility of exercise fields, and the inclination towards exercise—and cognitive function.
Methods:
Utilizing data from the Chinese Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS) conducted in 2016, cognitive function was meticulously assessed through the modified Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), encompassing measures of orientation, memory, and calculation. Employing self-report structured questionnaires, a myriad of information pertaining to physical activity during leisure time, exercise engagement, exercise intensity, primary exercise types, reasons for exercise participation, availability of sports facilities, and exercise willingness was diligently gathered. Robust Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression models were then employed to compute coefficients along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results:
A discernible inverted U-shaped trend in cognitive scores emerged as the level of physical activity surpassed the threshold of 500 MET-min/week. Notably, individuals with a physical activity level between 500 and 999 MET-min/week exhibited a coefficient of 0.31 (95% CI: 0.09, 0.54), those with a physical activity level between 1000 and 1499 MET-min/week displayed a coefficient of 0.75 (95% CI: 0.52, 0.97), and those with a physical activity level above 1500 MET-min/week demonstrated a coefficient of 0.45 (95% CI: 0.23, 0.68). Older individuals engaging in exercise at specific MET levels showcased superior cognitive function compared to their inactive counterparts. Furthermore, individuals driven by exercise motivations aimed at enhancing physical fitness and health, as well as those utilizing sports facilities or public spaces for exercise, exhibited notably higher cognitive function scores.
Conclusions:
The findings underscore the potential of exercise as a targeted intervention for the prevention and treatment of dementia or cognitive decline associated with aging in older individuals. Leveraging these insights to formulate informed exercise recommendations holds promise in addressing a significant public health challenge linked to aging populations.
Citation
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Copyright
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