Intensity, but not duration, of physical activities is related to cognitive function.
BACKGROUND
Physical activity is thought to facilitate cognitive performance and to slow down the rate of age-related cognitive decline. This study aimed to investigate the association between the time spent on physical activity as well as the average intensity of these activities and cognitive function.


METHODS
Cross-sectional analysis.


METHODS
Our study population comprised of 1927 healthy men and women aged 45-70 years in the Netherlands, examined from 1995 until 2000. Physical activity was assessed with an extensive questionnaire, and cognitive function by a neuropsychological test battery.


RESULTS
Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that intensity of weekly physical activities is significantly positively associated with processing speed, memory, mental flexibility and overall cognitive function. No significant associations were observed between the time spent weekly on physical activities and the various cognitive domains. At the same time, variation in activities was significantly positively associated with speed, memory, mental flexibility and overall cognitive function.


CONCLUSIONS
Average intensity of weekly physical activities and variation in activities are positively and significantly associated with cognitive performance on processing speed, memory and mental flexibility as well as performance on overall cognitive function.
Angevaren
Maaike
M
Research Department Health and Lifestyle, University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands. Maaike.angevaren@hu.nl
Vanhees
Luc
L
Wendel-Vos
Wanda
W
Verhaar
Harald J J
HJ
Aufdemkampe
Geert
G
Aleman
André
A
Verschuren
W M Monique
WM
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008182:Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires