Research Paper: Physical Activity and Cognitive Function in the Elderly Population

Background: Old age is accompanied by impaired musculoskeletal and nervous system, whichmay result in low mobility and cognitive problems.Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between Physical Activity (PA) andCognitive Function (CF) among the elderly population.Materials & Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted on 200 old peoplewho were members of retirement clubs in Mashhad City, Iran in 2017. They were selected usingpurposeful sampling method. To collect data, International Physical Activity Questionnaires (IPAQ),and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) tools were employed. The Pearson correlation testand hierarchical regression analysis were used to determine the relationship and predictability ofCF with PA, respectively after controlling intervening variable (age). Moreover, one-way Analysisof Covariance (ANCOVA) analysis was used to examine difference between CF scores in differentPA levels.Results: There was a positive and significant relationship between PA and CF in the elderly(r=0.63, P<0.0001). After controlling the age factor, PA was able to explain 42% of CF variance(F2,197=72.17, P<0.0001). Moreover, ANCOVA results indicated that cognitive impairment washigher in the elderly with low PA (F2,197=54.40, P<0.0001).Conclusion: This study showed that lower PA was associated with higher cognitive impairmentand older people with moderate and high PA had better CF than elderly with low PA. Therefore,suitable physical activity should be planned for the elderly to improve their ability in performingcognitive tasks.

Keywords:

Physical activity , Cognition , Frail elderly