Associating Gait Phase and Physical Fitness with Global Cognitive Function in the Aged

This study aimed to identify classifier variables by considering both gait and physical fitness for identifying adults aged over 75 years and global cognitive function declines in older adults. The participants included 735 adults aged 65–89 years who were asked to walk at three different speeds (slower, preferred, and faster) while wearing inertial measurement units embedded in shoe-type data loggers and to perform nine physical fitness tests. The variability in the stance phase as well as the strength, balance, and functional endurance showed a strong dependence on the age being over 75 years. The cognitive function was evaluated by the Mini-Mental State Examination; a longer stance phase at a slower walking speed and decreased grip strength and five times sit-to-stand were associated with cognitive function. These findings may be useful for determining the decline in physical performance of older adults. A longer stance phase and decreased grip strength and five times sit-to-stand may be factors that help distinguish declines in cognitive function from normal age-related declines.

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Age-specific differences in gait domains and global cognitive function in older women: gait characteristics based on gait speed modification

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.8820 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. e8820 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Byungjoo Noh ◽

Changhong Youm ◽

Myeounggon Lee ◽

Hwayoung Park

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Function ◽

Older Women ◽

Gait Speed ◽

Measurement Unit ◽

Gait Characteristics ◽

Global Cognitive Function ◽

Age Related ◽

Data Loggers ◽

Type Data ◽

All Speeds

Background Several studies have reported the association between gait and global cognitive function; however, there is no study explaining the age-specific gait characteristics of older women and association between those characteristics and global cognitive function by age-specific differences and gait speed modification. The aim of this study was to examine age-specific differences in gait characteristics and global cognitive function in older women as well as identify gait domains strongly associated with global cognitive function in older women based on gait speed modification. Methods One hundred sixty-four female participants aged 65–85 years were examined. Participants were assessed for global cognitive function through the mini-mental state examination. They also performed three trials of the overground walking test along a straight 20 m walkway. Inertial measurement unit sensors with shoe-type data loggers on both the left and right outsoles were used to measure gait characteristics. Results The pace at all speeds and the variability and phase at faster speeds were altered in women aged >75 years (all pace domain parameters, p < 0.05); variability and phase highly depended on age (all p < 0.05). Variability at slower speeds (β = −0.568 and p = 0.006) and the phase at the preferred (β = −0.471 and p = 0.005) and faster speeds (β = −0.494 and p = 0.005) were associated with global cognitive function in women aged >75 years. Discussion The variability and phase domains at faster speeds were considered to identify gait changes that accompany aging. In addition, the decreases in global cognitive function are associated with increased variability and phase domains caused by changes in gait speed in older women. Conclusion Our results are considered useful for understanding age-related gait characteristics with global cognitive function in old women.

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Superior Effects of Modified Chen-Style Tai Chi versus 24-Style Tai Chi on Cognitive Function, Fitness, and Balance Performance in Adults over 55

Brain Sciences ◽

10.3390/brainsci9050102 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 102 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Liye Zou ◽

Paul D. Loprinzi ◽

Jane Jie Yu ◽

Lin Yang ◽

Chunxiao Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Tai Chi ◽

Dynamic Balance ◽

Aging Population ◽

Balance Performance ◽

Timed Up And Go ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Global Cognitive Function ◽

Age Related

Background: Cognitive decline and balance impairment are prevalent in the aging population. Previous studies investigated the beneficial effects of 24-style Tai Chi (TC-24) on either cognitive function or balance performance of older adults. It still remains largely unknown whether modified Chen-style TC (MTC) that includes 18 complex movements is more beneficial for these age-related health outcomes, as compared to TC-24. Objective: We investigated if MTC would show greater effects than TC-24 on global cognitive function and balance-related outcomes among older adults. Methods: We conducted a randomized trial where 80 eligible adults aged over 55 were allocated into two different styles of Tai Chi (TC) arms (sixty-minute session × three times per week, 12 weeks). Outcome assessments were performed at three time periods (baseline, Week 6, and Week 12) and included the Chinese Version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) for overall cognitive function, One-leg Standing Test (LST) for static balance, Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) for dynamic balance, chair Stand Test (CST) for leg power, and the six-meter Walk Test (6MWT) for aerobic exercise capacity. Results: Compared to TC-24 arm, MTC arm demonstrated significantly greater improvements in MoCA, LST, TUGT, CST, and 6MWT (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: Both forms of TC were effective in enhancing global cognitive function, balance, and fitness. Furthermore, MTC was more effective than TC-24 in enhancing these health-related parameters in an aging population.

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The Study of Health-Related Fitness Normative Scores for Nepalese Older Adults

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17082723 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (8) ◽

pp. 2723

Author(s):

Jung Kyu Kim ◽

Won Il Son ◽

Ye Jung Sim ◽

Ju Sung Lee ◽

Kamala Oli Saud

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Physical Fitness ◽

Grip Strength ◽

Body Fat ◽

Age Groups ◽

Percent Body Fat ◽

Female Age ◽

Fitness Evaluation ◽

Sit To Stand ◽

Health Related

Physical fitness tests are important to maintain and promote the health status of people. The purpose of this study was to develop health-related fitness evaluation norms according to the age and gender of Nepalese older adults. One thousand nine subjects (449 males, 560 females) above 60 years, residing in 19 wards (rural and urban) of Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City participated in this study. The test included the PAR-Q (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire), social aspects questionnaire, blood pressure test, height, weight, BMI (body mass index), percent body fat, and four physical fitness components (grip strength, 1-minute sit-to-stand, sit and reach, and 2-minute step tests). Mean, SD, and fitness evaluation norms for each component were obtained after the main test and statistical analyses. This study showed higher BMI and percent body fat in female age groups than in male age groups. Grip strength, relative grip strength, sit-to-stand, and 2-minute steps scores were better in male age groups than in female age groups, but in contrast, flexibility was better in female age groups. This study may help the related sectors to assess physical fitness, identify fitness levels, and develop appropriate physical activities or exercise programs for older adults based on age.

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Gait Speed Is Associated with Cognitive Function among Older Adults with HIV

Journal of Aging and Health ◽

10.1177/0898264320943330 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 32 (10) ◽

pp. 1510-1515

Author(s):

Heather M. Derry ◽

Carrie D. Johnston ◽

Chelsie O. Burchett ◽

Eugenia L. Siegler ◽

Marshall J. Glesby

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Grip Strength ◽

Gait Speed ◽

Well Being ◽

Assistive Device ◽

Medical Outcomes ◽

Age Related ◽

Survey Results ◽

Device Use

Objectives: To determine links between objectively and subjectively measured physical function and cognitive function among HIV-positive older adults, a growing yet understudied group with elevated risk for multimorbidity. Methods: At a biomedical research visit, 162 participants completed objective tests of gait speed (4-m walk), grip strength (dynamometer), and cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, MoCA) and reported their well-being (Medical Outcomes Study-HIV survey). Results: Those with faster gait speed had better overall cognitive function than those with slower gait speed ( b = 3.98, SE = 1.30, p = .003) in an adjusted regression model controlling for age, sex, race, height, preferred language, and assistive device use. Grip strength was not significantly associated with overall cognitive function. Self-rated cognitive function was weakly related to MoCA scores ( r = .26) and gait speed ( r = .14) but was strongly associated with emotional well-being ( r = .53). Discussion: These observed, expected connections between physical and cognitive function could inform intervention strategies to mitigate age-related declines for older adults with HIV.

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Prediction of Decline in Global Cognitive Function Using Machine Learning with Feature Ranking of Gait and Physical Fitness Outcomes in Older Adults

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph182111347 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (21) ◽

pp. 11347

Author(s):

Byungjoo Noh ◽

Hyemin Yoon ◽

Changhong Youm ◽

Sangjin Kim ◽

Myeounggon Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Machine Learning ◽

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Physical Fitness ◽

Support Vector ◽

P Value ◽

Gait Performance ◽

Future Studies ◽

Global Cognitive Function ◽

Early Detection And Prevention

Gait and physical fitness are related to cognitive function. A decrease in motor function and physical fitness can serve as an indicator of declining global cognitive function in older adults. This study aims to use machine learning (ML) to identify important features of gait and physical fitness to predict a decline in global cognitive function in older adults. A total of three hundred and six participants aged seventy-five years or older were included in the study, and their gait performance at various speeds and physical fitness were evaluated. Eight ML models were applied to data ranked by the p-value (LP) of linear regression and the importance gain (XI) of XGboost. Five optimal features were selected using elastic net on the LP data for men, and twenty optimal features were selected using support vector machine on the XI data for women. Thus, the important features for predicting a potential decline in global cognitive function in older adults were successfully identified herein. The proposed ML approach could inspire future studies on the early detection and prevention of cognitive function decline in older adults.

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Exercise Impacts Age-Related Changes in Cognitive Function and Neural Complexity

Kinesiology Review ◽

10.1123/kr.2015-0050 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 30-38 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jennifer J. Heisz ◽

Ana Kovacevic

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Executive Functions ◽

Cognitive Outcomes ◽

Physically Active ◽

Age Related ◽

The Neural Network ◽

Future Work ◽

The Brain ◽

Age Related Changes

Age-related changes in the brain can compromise cognitive function. However, in some cases, the brain is able to functionally reorganize to compensate for some of this loss. The present paper reviews the benefits of exercise on executive functions in older adults and discusses a potential mechanism through which exercise may change the way the brain processes information for better cognitive outcomes. Specifically, older adults who are more physically active demonstrate a shift toward local neural processing that is associated with better executive functions. We discuss the use of neural complexity as a sensitive measure of the neural network plasticity that is enhanced through exercise. We conclude by highlighting the future work needed to improve exercise prescriptions that help older adults maintain their cognitive and physical functions for longer into their lifespan.

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The Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Functional Polymorphism and Hand Grip Strength Impact the Association between Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels and Cognition in Older Adults in the United States

Biological Research For Nursing ◽

10.1177/10998004211065151 ◽

2022 ◽

pp. 109980042110651

Author(s):

Tingting Liu ◽

Hongjin Li ◽

Yvette P. Conley ◽

Brian A. Primack ◽

Jing Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Cognitive Decline ◽

Grip Strength ◽

Mental Status ◽

Neurotrophic Factor ◽

Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor ◽

Hand Grip Strength ◽

Hand Grip ◽

Serum Bdnf

Introduction Aging is associated with subtle cognitive decline in attention, memory, executive function, processing speed, and reasoning. Although lower brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been linked to cognitive decline among older adults, it is not known if the association differs among individuals with various BDNF Val66Met (rs6265) genotypes. In addition, it is not clear whether these associations vary by hand grip strength or physical activity (PA). Methods A total of 2904 older adults were included in this study using data from the Health and Retirement Study. Associations between serum BDNF and measures of cognitive function were evaluated using multivariable linear regression models stratified by Met allele status. PA and hand grip strength were added to the model to evaluate whether including these variables altered associations between serum BDNF and cognition. Results Mean age was 71.4 years old, and mean body mass index was 28.3 kg/m2. Serum BDNF levels were positively associated with higher total cognitive score (beta = 0.34, p = .07), mental status (beta = 0.16, p = .07), and word recall (beta = 0.22, p =.04) among Met carriers, while serum BDNF levels were negatively associated with mental status (beta = −0.09, p = .07) among non-Met carriers. Furthermore, associations changed when hand grip strength was added to the model but not when PA was added to the model. Conclusions The BDNF Val66Met variant may moderate the association between serum BDNF levels and cognitive function in older adults. Furthermore, such associations differ according to hand grip strength but not PA.

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Physical Performance Predictors for Incident Dementia Among Japanese Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Physical Therapy ◽

10.1093/ptj/pzz077 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 99 (9) ◽

pp. 1132-1140

Author(s):

Takehiko Doi ◽

Kota Tsutsumimoto ◽

Sho Nakakubo ◽

Min-Ji Kim ◽

Satoshi Kurita ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Risk Assessment ◽

Grip Strength ◽

Physical Performance ◽

Performance Level ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Sit To Stand ◽

Dementia Risk ◽

Incident Dementia ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Background Evaluating physical performance could facilitate dementia risk assessment. However, findings differ regarding which type of physical performance best predicts dementia. Objective The objective of this study was to examine the association between physical performance and incidence of dementia in Japanese community-dwelling older adults. Design This was a prospective study of community-dwelling older adults. Methods Of 14,313 invited individuals who were ≥ 65 years old, 5104 agreed to participate from 2011 to 2012, and 4086 (52% women; mean age = 72.0 years) met the criteria. Baseline assessments of the following physical performance indicators were obtained: grip strength, the Five-Times Sit-to-Stand Test, and the Timed “Up & Go” Test. The physical performance level in each test was categorized as C1 (highest), C2 (middle–high), C3 (middle–low), or C4 (lowest) on the basis of sex-stratified quartile values. Incident dementia status was obtained from medical records that were updated monthly. Results During follow-up (mean duration = 42.9 months), there were 243 incident cases of dementia (5.9%). Log-rank test results indicated that a lower physical performance level constituted a significant risk factor for dementia. After adjustment for covariates, Cox proportional hazards models (reference: highest physical performance level [C1]) demonstrated that the Five-Times Sit-to-Stand Test in the group with the lowest physical performance level (hazard ratio = 1.69; 95% CI = 1.10–2.59) was significantly associated with a risk of dementia. Likewise, the Timed “Up & Go” Test in the group with the lowest physical performance level (hazard ratio = 1.54; 95% CI = 1.01–2.35) was significantly associated with a risk of dementia. However, grip strength was not significantly associated with a risk of dementia. Limitations This study was limited by the use of medical record data. Conclusions A lower mobility-related physical performance level was associated with dementia risk. Dementia risk assessment should include an adequate evaluation of physical function.

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Recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis and cognitive function among older adults with type 1 diabetes: findings from the Study of Longevity in Diabetes

BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care ◽

10.1136/bmjdrc-2020-001173 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. e001173 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mary E Lacy ◽

Paola Gilsanz ◽

Chloe W Eng ◽

Michal S Beeri ◽

Andrew J Karter ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Type 1 Diabetes ◽

Executive Function ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Diabetic Ketoacidosis ◽

Brain Health ◽

Psychomotor Speed ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Global Cognitive Function

IntroductionDiabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes. DKA is associated with poorer cognition in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D), but whether this is the case in older adults with T1D is unknown. Given the increasing life expectancy in T1D, understanding the role of DKA on brain health in older adults is crucial.Research design and methodsWe examined the association of DKA with cognitive function in 714 older adults with T1D from the Study of Longevity in Diabetes. Participants self-reported lifetime exposure to DKA resulting in hospitalization; DKA was categorized into 0 hospitalization, 1 hospitalization or ≥2 hospitalizations (recurrent DKA). Global and domain-specific cognition (language, executive function/psychomotor speed, episodic memory and simple attention) were assessed. The association of DKA with cognitive function was evaluated via linear and logistic regression models.ResultsTwenty-eight percent of participants (mean age=67 years; mean age at diagnosis=28 years; average duration of diabetes=39 years) reported a lifetime history of DKA resulting in hospitalization (18.5% single DKA; 9.7% recurrent DKA). In fully adjusted models, those with recurrent DKA had lower global cognitive function (β=−0.13; 95% CI −0.22 to 0.02) and lower scores on the executive function/psychomotor speed domain (β=−0.34; 95% CI −0.51 to 0.17). Individuals with recurrent DKA were also more likely to have the lowest level of cognitive function on the executive function/psychomotor speed domain (defined as 1.5 SD below the population mean; OR=3.26, 95% CI 1.43 to 7.42).ConclusionsAmong 714 older adults with T1D, recurrent DKA was associated with lower global cognitive function, lower scores on the executive function/psychomotor speed domain and 3.3 times greater risk of having the lowest level of cognitive function in our sample on the executive function/psychomotor speed domain. These findings suggest that recurrent DKA may negatively impact the brain health of older patients with T1D and highlight the importance of DKA prevention.

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Effects of dance on cognitive function in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Age and Ageing ◽

10.1093/ageing/afaa270 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Patricia Hewston ◽

Courtney Clare Kennedy ◽

Sayem Borhan ◽

Dafna Merom ◽

Pasqualina Santaguida ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Executive Function ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Learning And Memory ◽

Optimal Dose ◽

Future Research ◽

Trail Making Test ◽

Global Cognitive Function ◽

Trail Making ◽

Complex Attention

Abstract Background dance is a mind–body activity that stimulates neuroplasticity. We explored the effect of dance on cognitive function in older adults. Methods we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and PsycInfo databases from inception to August 2020 (PROSPERO:CRD42017057138). Inclusion criteria were (i) randomised controlled trials (ii) older adults (aged ≥ 55 years), (iii) intervention—dance and (iv) outcome—cognitive function. Cognitive domains were classified with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 Neurocognitive Framework. Meta-analyses were performed in RevMan5.3 and certainty of evidence with GradePro. Results we reviewed 3,997 records and included 11 studies (N = 1,412 participants). Seven studies included only healthy older adults and four included those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Dance interventions varied in frequency (1–3×/week), time (35–60 minutes), duration (3–12 months) and type. We found a mean difference (MD) = 1.58 (95% confidence interval [CI) = 0.21–2.95) on the Mini Mental State Examination for global cognitive function (moderate-certainty evidence), and the Wechsler Memory Test for learning and memory had an MD = 3.02 (95% CI = 1.38–4.65; low-certainty evidence). On the Trail Making Test-A for complex attention, MD = 3.07 (95% CI = −0.81 to 6.95; high-certainty evidence) and on the Trail Making Test-B for executive function, MD = −4.12 (95% CI = −21.28 to 13.03; moderate-certainty evidence). Subgroup analyses did not suggest consistently greater effects in older adults with MCI. Evidence is uncertain for language, and no studies evaluated social cognition or perceptual–motor function. Conclusions dance probably improves global cognitive function and executive function. However, there is little difference in complex attention, and evidence also suggests little effect on learning and memory. Future research is needed to determine the optimal dose and if dance results in greater cognitive benefits than other types of physical activity and exercise.

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