Physical capacities and leisure activities are related with cognitive functions in older adults
Year: 2022
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between physical activity habits, physical performance and cognitive capacity in older adults' population of Italy and Slovenia. METHODS: Anthropometric characteristics and body composition bioelectrical impedance analysis were evaluated in 892 older adults (60-80 y). Aerobic capacity was measured using the 2-km walk test and handgrip and flexibility tests were performed. Physical activity habits and cognitive functions were evaluated by the Global-Physical-Activity-Questionnaires (GPAQ) and by Montreal-Cognitive-Assessment (MoCA) questionnaires, respectively. RESULTS: GPAQ scores were associated with lower BMI (r=-0.096; P=0.005), lower percentage of fat-mass (r=-0.138; P=0.001), better results in the 2-km walk test (r=-0.175; P=0.001) and a higher percentage of fat-free mass (r=0.138; P=0.001). We also evaluated that a higher MoCA Score correlates with age (r=-0.208; P=0.001), 2-km walk test (r=-0.166; P=0.001), waist-hip ratio (r=-0.200; P=0.001), resting heart-rate (r=-0.087; P=0.025) and heart-rate at the end of 2-km walk test (r=0.189; P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Older adults with a higher level of daily physical activity showed reduction in fat-mass and BMI, and higher aerobic fitness; these characteristics have a protection effect on cognitive function.
Authors: Federica GONNELLI, Nicola GIOVANELLI, Mirco FLOREANI, Giulia BRAVO, Maria PARPINEL, Andrea D’AMURI, Gloria BROMBO, Edoardo DALLA NORA, Rado PIŠOT, Boštjan ŠIMUNIČ, Saša PIŠOT, Gianni BIOLO, Filippo G. di GIROLAMO, Roberta SITULIN, Angelina PASSARO, Stefano LAZZER
Language: English
Topic: Physical Activity and Health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3137090838