Key result
An increase in light physical activity over six months was significantly associated with improved short-term verbal memory (Coefficient 0.18) and inhibition in older adults with chronic illnesses.
Why the study?
Although moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is commonly advised, older adults with chronic illnesses may benefit more from light physical activity due to mobility limitations, pain, and fatigue.
Does an increase in light physical activity improve cognitive functioning in older adults with chronic illnesses?
Observational (n=432)
Yes
Does an increase in light physical activity improve cognitive functioning in older adults with chronic illnesses?
Effect estimate: Coefficient 0.18 (95% CI 0.05;0.32)
p-value: p=0.008
Background Regular physical activity (PA) is potentially beneficial for age-related cognitive decline. Although moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is mostly advised, older adults with chronic illnesses (OACI) might benefit more from light physical activity (LPA), as they suffer from mobility problems, pain and fatigue, limiting high intensity PA. Therefore, the longitudinal association between change in respectively LPA and MVPA on the one hand and the change in cognitive functioning (CF) on the other hand is investigated in OACI. Methods In total 432 OACI (≥65 years) with at least one chronic illness participated in this longitudinal observational study. Longitudinal associations between accelerometer assessed change in PA (LPA and MVPA) and change in CF, measured with an objective validated neuropsychological test battery were tested with multivariate linear regressions. Results An increase in LPA between baseline and six months follow-up was significantly associated with improved short-term verbal memory and inhibition over the first six months. In addition, the change score in LPA over the first six months was predictive for the change score in short-term verbal memory over 12 months. Furthermore, an increase in MVPA between baseline and six months follow-up was significantly associated with a decrease in longer-term verbal memory scores over the same six month period. Conclusions Increase in LPA over the first six months is associated with better short-term verbal memory scores over the same period and this is extended to better short-term verbal memory scores over the whole year. Increase in LPA over the first six months is also associated with better inhibition scores over the same period, however this doesn’t seem to extend to the long run (i.e change in inhibition in 12 months). Remarkably, an increase in MVPA over the first six months was associated with a decrease in longer-term verbal memory scores over the same six month period. Thus, for OACI who experience issues with being sufficiently active this seems good news as LPA is more achievable for them to improve CF than MVPA. Trial Registration Netherlands Trial Register NL6005; Date of Registration 21-03-2017; https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/6005
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Volders et al. (2021) conducted an observational in Chronic illness (n=432). Change in light physical activity (LPA) vs. No change or different levels of change in physical activity was evaluated on Change in short-term verbal memory (VLT mean number of words recalled trial 1-5) over 6 months (Coefficient 0.18, 95% CI 0.05;0.32, p=0.008). An increase in light physical activity over six months was significantly associated with improved short-term verbal memory (Coefficient 0.18) and inhibition in older adults with chronic illnesses.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: