Physical activity and cognitive function among older adults in China: A systematic review

AbstractThe relationships between cognitive function and each of physical activity, sleep and sedentary behaviour in older adults are well documented. However, these three “time use” behaviours are co-dependent parts of the 24-hour day (spending time in one leaves less time for the others), and their best balance for cognitive function in older adults is still largely unknown. This systematic review summarises the existing evidence on the associations between combinations of two or more time-use behaviours and cognitive function in older adults. Embase, Pubmed, PsycInfo, Medline and Emcare databases were searched in March 2020 and updated in May 2021, returning a total of 25,289 papers for screening. A total of 23 studies were included in the synthesis, spanning >23,000 participants (mean age 71 years). Findings support previous evidence that spending more time in physical activity and limiting sedentary behaviour is broadly associated with better cognitive outcomes in older adults. Higher proportions of moderate-vigorous physical activity in the day were most frequently associated with better cognitive function. Some evidence suggests that certain types of sedentary behaviour may be positively associated with cognitive function, such as reading or computer use. Sleep duration appears to share an inverted U-shaped relationship with cognition, as too much or too little sleep is negatively associated with cognitive function. This review highlights considerable heterogeneity in methodological and statistical approaches, and encourages a more standardised, transparent approach to capturing important daily behaviours in older adults. Investigating all three time-use behaviours together against cognitive function using suitable statistical methodology is strongly recommended to further our understanding of optimal 24-hour time-use for brain function in aging.

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Objectively assessed physical activity and sedentary behavior and global cognitive function in older adults: a systematic review

Mechanisms of Ageing and Development ◽

10.1016/j.mad.2021.111524 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 111524

Author(s):

Anna G.M. Rojer ◽

Keenan A. Ramsey ◽

Elvira S. Amaral Gomes ◽

Luke D’Andrea ◽

Christopher Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Global Cognitive Function

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Effectiveness of Web-based physical activity interventions for older adults: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMAN MOVEMENT SCIENCE ◽

10.23949/ijhms.2018.08.12.2.5 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 69-87

Author(s):

Jaehyun Kim ◽

Shang-Ti Chen ◽

Sun-Hwan Hwang

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Older Adults ◽

Randomized Controlled Trials ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Web Based ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Physical Activity Interventions

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Faculty Opinions recommendation of Physical activity modifies the association between depression and cognitive function in older adults.

Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature ◽

10.3410/f.734845402.793560184 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Audrey Duarte

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Function

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What are the barriers and facilitators to exercise and physical activity uptake and adherence among South Asian older adults: A systematic review of qualitative studies

Preventive Medicine ◽

10.1016/j.ypmed.2012.07.016 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 55 (4) ◽

pp. 276-284 ◽

Cited By ~ 62

Author(s):

Maria Horne ◽

Stephanie Tierney

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Older Adults ◽

South Asian ◽

Qualitative Studies ◽

Barriers And Facilitators

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Walking Cadence to Exercise at Moderate Intensity for Adults: A Systematic Review

Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1155/2017/4641203 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-12 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

J. Slaght ◽

M. Sénéchal ◽

T. J. Hrubeniuk ◽

A. Mayo ◽

D. R. Bouchard

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Older Adults ◽

Leisure Activity ◽

Moderate Intensity ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Physical Activity Guidelines ◽

Aerobic Activity ◽

Physical Activity Levels

Background. Most adults choose walking as a leisure activity. However, many do not reach the international physical activity guidelines for adults, which recommend moderate intensity aerobic activity for at least 150 minutes/week in bouts of 10 minutes. Purpose. This systematic review provides an update on the walking cadence required to reach moderate intensity in adults and older adults, identifies variables associated with reaching moderate intensity, and evaluates how walking cadence intensity should be measured, but the main purpose is to report the interventions that have been attempted to prescribe walking cadence to increase time spent at moderate intensity or other outcomes for adults and older adults. Methods. SportDISCUS, Scopus, and PubMed databases were searched. We identified 3,917 articles and 31 were retained for this systematic review. Only articles written in English were included. Results. In general, 100 steps/minute is prescribed for adults to achieve moderate intensity, but older adults may require a higher cadence. Currently, few studies have explored using walking cadence prescription as an intervention to increase physical activity levels. Conclusion. Prescribing walking cadence as a way to increase physical activity levels has potential as a practical and useful strategy, but more evidence is required to assess its ability to increase physical activity levels at moderate intensity.

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A Taxonomy to Aid in the Design of Complex Physical Activities for Older Adults

Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting ◽

10.1177/1541931213601500 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 61 (1) ◽

pp. 21-25

Author(s):

Lyndsie M. Koon ◽

Robert J. Brustad ◽

Megan Babkes Stellino

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Environmental Context ◽

Physical Activities ◽

The Body ◽

Practical Applications ◽

Aging Adults ◽

The Stability ◽

Positive Results

Physical activity participation is a non-pharmaceutical intervention that can be utilized to maintain and improve cognitive function in aging adults. Although simple physical activities yield positive results in regards to cognitive function, cognitively and motorically complex physical activities may have an even greater benefit on neuroplasticity for older adults. Commercially available products such as physical activity apps or exergames offer this population a means to engage in regular physical activity on their own. However, a taxonomy is necessary to help distinguish simpler physical activities from more complex physical activities. The taxonomy proposed in this paper carefully considers the following characteristics: the stability or transport of the body, object manipulation, intertrial variability, the environmental context and the reaction or to others. The dimensions of the taxonomy are operationally defined and practical applications are provided.

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