Key result
Better physical function links to higher cognitive function in older adults, partly via physical activity.
Why the study?
The mediating effect of physical activity on the relationship between physical function and cognitive function among older adults with cardiometabolic multimorbidity was unclear.
Does physical activity mediate the relationship between physical function and cognitive function in older adults with cardiometabolic multimorbidity?
Cross-Sectional (n=526)
Yes
Does physical activity mediate the relationship between physical function and cognitive function in older adults with cardiometabolic multimorbidity?
Effect estimate: effect 0.038 (95% CI 0.003, 0.077)
p-value: p=< .05
Physical activity partially mediates the positive association between physical function and cognitive function in older adults with cardiometabolic multimorbidity.
Supports targeting physical activity amid functional decline; hypothesis-generating for cardiometabolic multimorbidity and requires longitudinal confirmation.
Purpose: To examine the mediating effect of physical activity on the relationships between physical function (including upper and lower extremity functions) and cognitive function among older adults with cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM). Method: The current descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 526 older adults with CMM in three community health care centers in Beijing, China. Participants completed questionnaires including the Mini-Mental State Examination, Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Upper and lower extremity functions were measured by grip strength and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), respectively. Results: Cognitive function had a positive correlation with physical activity and various physical functions ( p < .05). Physical activity was also positively associated with various physical functions ( p < .05). Indirect effect of physical activity on the association between grip strength and cognitive function was 0.034 and explained 13.93% of the total effect. Physical activity mediated 18.81% (effect = 0.038, 95% confidence interval [0.003, 0.077]) of the total effect of SPPB total score (overall lower extremity function) on cognitive function. Conclusion: Physical function not only directly influences cognitive function but also exerts an indirect effect through physical activity in older adults with CMM. It is necessary to monitor physical function regularly and encourage older adults to engage in physical activity and other community activities, which may delay cognitive decline and slow the progression of CMM.
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Deng et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) (n=526). Physical function and physical activity was evaluated on Cognitive function (effect 0.038, 95% CI 0.003, 0.077, p=< .05). Physical function directly influences cognitive function and exerts an indirect effect through physical activity (effect 0.038; 95% CI 0.003-0.077 for lower extremity function) in older adults.
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