Relationship between physical and cognitive performance in community dwelling, ethnically diverse older adults: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundRegular exercise training stimulates physiological adaptations to improve physical performance, reduce chronic disease risk, and slow age-related cognitive decline. Since the physiological mechanisms responsible for aging-associated cognitive decline are not yet fully understood, and training-induced physiological adaptations responsible for performance measure improvements are specific to the type (aerobic vs. strength) and intensity of training, studies are needed to assess the relationships between physical performance measures and cognitive performance in older adults. These results could be used to guide exercise prescriptions with the goal of improving age-related cognitive performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between physical performance measures and cognitive performance in a population of community dwelling, ethnically diverse older adults.MethodsThe cognitive performance of ninety independent, community dwelling participants (69 female, 21 male), aged 75 ± 9.5 years (mean ± SD) was measured with the Modified Mini-Mental State Test (3MS), Trailmaking Tests A and B (TMT A & B), and the Animal Naming test. Sociodemographic (age, sex, ethnicity, medication use, years of education) and anthropometric data were collected, physical activity was assessed with the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), peak hand-grip strength, distance walked in the 6MWT, and heart rate pre-, during, and up to 5 min. post- 6MWT were measured. Forward stepwise multiple regression analyses were performed with each cognitive measure as a dependent variable.Results and DiscussionControlling for sociodemographic covariates, peak heart rate during the 6MWT (6MWT HRPEAK) was positively correlated with performance in the 3MS (p < 0.017), and TMT A (p < 0.001) and B (p < 0.029). Controlling for sociodemographic covariates, PASE was positively (p = 0.001), and β-blocker use negatively (p = 0.035), correlated with performance on the Animal Naming test. Also, controlling for sociodemographic covariates, PASE was positively correlated with performance on the TMT A (p = 0.017). Here we show that higher peak heart rate during the 6MWT is positively correlated with cognitive performance in a population of community dwelling, ethnically diverse older adults (ages 60–95 years).ConclusionHigher peak heart rate during the 6MWT was found to be independently and positively correlated with cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults. Although additional work is needed, these results are promising and suggest that physicians, exercise professionals, and/or fitness/fall prevention programs may use peak heart rate during the 6MWT to easily monitor exercise intensity to support cognitive health.

The association between global cognitive function and walking capacity in individuals with broad ranges of cognitive and physical function: Are there sex differences?

“…This study was the first to perform a sex-based analysis in the relationship between global cognitive function and walking capacity. The positive relationship between global cognitive function and walking capacity observed in the current study corroborate previous reports in older adults with less impairment in cognitive and physical function ( 12 – 14 ) and in populations with chronic conditions ( 6 – 11 , 15 – 17 ). This body of evidence reinforces the importance of promoting exercise and physical activity behaviours to maintain cognitive and physical function among male and female older adults of all abilities.…”

“…The maximum possible score for the MoCA is 30, where higher scores indicate better function and scores <26 suggesting mild cognitive impairment ( 45 ). While the MoCA is generally used as a screening tool for cognitive impairment, previous studies have also used the MoCA and similar screening tools such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) to explore the association between global cognitive function and walking capacity among older adults ( 7 – 14 ). The MoCA has excellent sensitivity and specificity in its ability to detect mild cognitive impairment, excellent internal consistency and concurrent validity with the MMSE ( 45 ), and excellent inter-rater reliability in older adults ( 46 ).…”

“…Cognitive function is known to be associated with physical function. Conversely, greater walking capacity [i.e., 6-Minute Walk Test (6 MWT) ( 6 ) distance] has been shown to have moderate to strong correlations with global cognitive function ( 7 – 14 ), memory ( 8 , 9 , 15 ), attention ( 9 , 14 , 16 ), verbal fluency ( 9 , 14 ), and executive function ( 9 , 14 , 17 ) in older adults with ( 6 – 11 , 15 – 17 ) and without ( 12 – 14 ) chronic conditions. With increasing age, declines in cognition ( 18 ) and walking capacity ( 19 ), as well as higher prevalence of chronic conditions such as stroke ( 20 ), often occur.…”

Healthy Lifestyle and Cognition: Interaction between Diet and Physical Activity

“…Much more extensive research is available in the area of exercise and cognition compared to dietary intake. Observational studies consistently show lower incidence of cognitive impairment and AD in people who maintain regular physical activity and have greater physical fitness and strength [41][42][43][44], even in those that are at high risk for AD (i.e., individuals with e4 alleles of the APOE gene) [45]. Similar results are observed for RCTs, where participation in exercise programs consistently results in improved cognitive performance, regardless of baseline cognitive status [46][47][48].…”

Effect of exercise training on the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system: a meta–analysis

“…Hypertension is a major independent and preventable risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) [ 1 ] and physical inactivity contributes to hypertension [ 2 , 3 ]. Engaging in regular exercise is known to reduce blood pressure (BP) [ 4 , 5 ] and stimulates physiological adaptations for general health improvements [ 6 ]. However, the reduction in BP following exercise training is regulated by multifaceted mechanisms which remain elusive [ 5 , 7 ].…”