Estimating the effect of physical activity on cognitive function within the UK Biobank cohort

Abstract

Background Physical activity (PA) has been associated with benefits for cognitive function (CF), but previous estimates of the strength of this relationship may have been biased due to limitations in statistical modelling practices that are common among observational studies. We aimed to address this by using a rigorously constructed conceptual causal model to guide an empirical analysis estimating the effect of PA on CF in the UK Biobank cohort of middle-aged and older adults. Methods This study analysed a subsample of 334 227 adults from the UK Biobank prospective cohort study. PA was measured subjectively by self-report and by device using accelerometry, and CF was measured using objective cognitive tests. Composite CF measures were derived to represent general and domain-specific performance. Effect coefficients were estimated using regression models, adjusting for a wide range of confounders specified by the assumed causal model, including genetic risk factors, and relevant health, sociodemographic and behavioural variables from across the lifespan. Results Results indicated very small effect sizes (standardized mean difference estimates all <0.01) of inconsistent direction, for both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. Conclusions The expected protective effect of PA on CF was not observed. This may reflect selection bias within UK Biobank, or the relatively young age of the sample at follow-up.

Multi-omics and Mendelian Randomization network analysis of the association between metabolic and cognitive functions in the UK Biobank Database

“…Participants gave informed consent and provided detailed demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle and health-related data via a touchscreen questionnaire, including medication history. As previously described, participants then underwent a large range of physical and biological assessment measures, including repeated blood pressure measurements, height and weight, from which BMI was derived, accelerometery and neuroimaging visits 83,85 ; in addition to urine, saliva and blood collection for biomarker and genetic assessments as previous 84,86 .…”

“…These tests were developed specifically for UK Biobank, to enable computerized administration at scale without staff involvement, and are thus non-standardized. As previously described 85 , a battery of several baseline and follow-up cognitive tests were administered in English language to participants; covering four major cognitive domains (episodic and working memory, executive function, processing speed and attention).…”

“…As previously described, participants then underwent a large range of physical and biological assessment measures, including repeated blood pressure measurements, height and weight, from which BMI was derived, accelerometery and neuroimaging visits 83,85 ; in addition to urine, saliva and blood collection for biomarker and genetic assessments as previous 84,86 .…”

The association between objectively measured physical activity, screen time, and cognitive function: A narrative review

“…Additionally, social factors like engagement in social activities, occupational history, and the presence of certain diseases have been found to play a role in cognitive function [9]. Moreover, physical activity has been recognized as a factor influencing cognitive function positively [10]. A Meta analysis conducted on preadolescent children, concluded that longitudinal physical activity programs have a positive effect on all cognitive domains, including executive function, memory, planning, attention, and academic performance [11].…”