Abstract

We evaluated the specific association between individual-specific physical activities and cognitive function among a national sample of the broader U.S. older adult population. Data from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used to identify 1,902 adults, between 60-85 years, with complete data on selected study variables. The DSST (Digit Symbol Substitution Test) was used to assess participant executive cognitive functioning. Individual specific physical activities were associated with higher cognitive performance. Weighted multivariable linear regressions showed bicycling (â= 4.3; 95% CI: -0.2-9.0; P=0.06), walking (â= 2.6; 95% CI: 0.3-4.9; P=0.02), yard work (â= 4.1; 95% CI: -0.1-8.4; P=0.05) and golf (â= 5.3; 95% CI: 1.3-9.3; P=0.01) were associated with higher cognitive functioning. However, when accounting for overall volume of physical activity, results showed the only activity that was statistically significantly associated with higher cognitive function was golf (â= 4.7; 95% CI: 0.6-8.7; P=0.02). In this nationally representative sample of adults, there was a positive association between engagement in individual-specific physical activities and cognitive function.

Key words: Epidemiology; exercise modality; health promotion; mental health; physical activity