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June 7, 2026BMC PsychologyOpen Access

A 1-33% proportion of moderate-to-vigorous activity is linked to ~52% lower odds of cognitive impairment.

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Why the study?

Physical activity intensity remains a key determinant in managing chronic conditions, but how the proportion of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity relative to total volume independently relates to cognitive function and depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults was unclear.

Is the proportion of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity associated with cognitive function and depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults?

Population

17,057 middle-aged and older adults in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

Comparison

Different proportions of MVPA relative to total physical activity volume

Design

Cross-sectional analysis

Key result

A 1%-33% proportion of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with the lowest odds of cognitive impairment (aOR 0.48; 95% CI 0.35-0.67) and depressive symptoms in older adults.

Authors

XGXiuguo GeXSXiaoxiang ShenKXKening Xue

Discussion

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Member takes

Overview

May support moderate MVPA proportions for cognitive and mental health in older adults; leaves open causality and need for prospective confirmation.

Key Points

  • This research examines the relationship between the proportion of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and cognitive function and mental health.
  • Cross-sectional analysis of 17,057 middle-aged and older adults from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.
  • Physical activity was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.
  • Cognitive function and depressive symptoms were assessed with standardized interviews and scales.
  • 1%-33% MVPA was linked to lower odds of cognitive impairment (aOR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.67).
  • 1%-33% MVPA also showed lower odds of depressive symptoms (aOR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.76).
  • 67%-100% MVPA was associated with an increase in depressive symptoms and significantly less favorable outcomes among male participants (aOR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.83, 1.22).

Study Design

Type

Cross-Sectional (n=17,057)

Multicenter

Yes

Structured PICO

Is the proportion of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity associated with cognitive function and depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults?

P
Population
17,057 middle-aged and older adults from China evaluated for the association between the proportion of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and cognitive and mental health.
E
Exposure
Proportion of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) relative to total volume of physical activity
C
Comparator
Different proportions of MVPA (e.g., 1%-33% vs 67%-100%)
O
Outcome
Cognitive function and depressive symptomspatient reported

Main Result

Odds Ratio: 0.48 (95% CI 0.35–0.67)

A proportion of 1%-33% moderate-to-vigorous physical activity relative to total physical activity volume is associated with the lowest odds of cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms in older adults.

Cite This Study

Ge et al. (2026) reported a cross-sectional. 1%-33% moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) proportion vs. Other proportions of MVPA was evaluated on Cognitive impairment (aOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.35-0.67). A 1%-33% proportion of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with the lowest odds of cognitive impairment (aOR 0.48; 95% CI 0.35-0.67) and depressive symptoms in older adults.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a250a3c7def13d035e1a7fahttps://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-026-04931-6
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Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

  1. 1Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and cognition among older adults in China: Mediation by depressive symptoms and moderation by age2026 · 1 citations
  2. 2Association Between Physical Activity Intensity and the Risk for Depression Among Adults From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–20182022 · 17 citations
  3. 3Intensity, frequency, duration, and volume of physical activity and its association with risk of depression in middle- and older-aged Chinese: Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, 20152019 · 63 citations
  4. 4Does moderate to vigorous physical activity mediate the association between depression and physical function in midlife: Evidence from two British birth cohort studies2022 · 6 citations
  5. 5Non-linear dose-response association between physical activity and mental health in adolescents: a prospective cohort study based on SEARCH2025