Relationship between physical performance and cognitive performance measures among community-dwelling older adults

Abstract

PurposeCognitive impairment is correlated with physical function. However, the results in the literature are inconsistent with cognitive and physical performance measures. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the association between cognitive performance and physical function among older adults.MethodsA total of 164 older adults aged ≥60 years and residing in low-cost housing areas in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia participated in this study. Cognitive performance was measured using the Mini Mental State Examination, clock drawing test, Rey auditory verbal learning test, digit symbol test, digit span test, matrix reasoning test, and block design test. Physical performance measures were assessed using the ten step test for agility, short physical performance battery test for an overall physical function, static balance test using a Pro.Balance board, and dynamic balance using the functional reach test.ResultsThere was a negative and significant correlation between agility and the digit symbol test (r=−0.355), clock drawing test (r=−0.441), matrix reasoning test (r=−0.315), and block design test (r=−0.045). A significant positive correlation was found between dynamic balance, digit symbol test (r=0.301), and matrix reasoning test (r=0.251). The agility test appeared as a significant (R2=0.183, R2=0.407, R2=0.299, P<0.05) predictor of some cognitive performance measures, including the digit span test, clock drawing test, and Mini Mental State Examination.ConclusionThese results suggest that a decline in most cognitive performance measures can be predicted by poor execution of a more demanding physical performance measure such as the ten step test for agility. It is imperative to use a more complex and cognitively demanding physical performance measure to identify the presence of an overall cognitive impairment among community-dwelling older adults. It may also be beneficial to promote more complex and cognitively challenging exercises and activities among older adults for optimal physical and cognitive function.

Association between physiological falls risk and physical performance tests among community-dwelling older adults

“…In our previous study, agility was demonstrated to be related to cognitive function. 42 Agility significantly improved with balance exercises 43 in older adults. Agility may not have appeared as a predictor for physiological falls risk in this study, probably because balance and age have accounted for this effect.…”

Methodology approaches and challenges in population‐based longitudinal study of a neuroprotective model for healthy longevity

“…In several previous studies, the significance of optimum biophysical health, lifestyle and dietary habits, as well as some psychosocial domains with cognitive function and successful aging, have been emphasized. 15,[17][18][19] The Singapore Longitudinal Aging Study (SLAS) is the most comparable multiethnic population-based cohort study with the present study. 8 In SLAS, the authors aimed at investigating psychosocial, lifestyle, behavioral, biomedical and healthcare determinants of aging and age-related health outcomes.…”

Desempenho cognitivo e motor manual de idosos

“…Contudo, alterações na função cognitiva parecem ter relação com o desempenho físico do idoso (Won et al, 2014). Um estudo nos Estados Unidos observou que idosos com declínio em funções como atenção e velocidade de processamento também apresentaram prejuízos no desempenho de habilidades como força de preensão e marcha (McGoughet al, 2013).…”

“…O próprio processo de envelhecimento favorece a redução da reserva fisiológica em diferentes sistemas, acarretando diminuição da capacidade de gerar respostas adaptativas frente a estímulos externos. Nesse sentido, contribui para perda progressiva do desempenho físico e alterações do estado cognitivo do idoso, expondo-o, assim, a maior vulnerabilidade (Won et al, 2014;Blankevoor et al, 2013).…”