title: Aging well: Processing speed inhibition and working memory related to balance and aerobic endurance.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The present study explored whether certain physical performance measures could be linked to specific cognitive domains in healthy older adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 50 adults (mean age 69.5 years, SD 8.1) were evaluated on physical performance using measures of balance (Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale), functional mobility (8-ft up-and-go), lower body strength (30-s chair stand), gait (30-ft walk velocity) and aerobic endurance (6-min walk). Cognitive measures included Stroop Color-Word Test, Digit Span Backward, Trail Making Tests, Everyday Problems Test, Digit Symbol Substitution and a Brown-Peterson test. Principal component analyses reduced cognition to domains of processing speed, inhibition and working memory.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Hierarchical regression analyses were carried out with age and each physical measure as potential predictors of the three cognitive domains. The balance scale and 6-min walk were specifically associated with processing speed, inhibition and working memory.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Better dynamic balance and aerobic endurance predicted enhanced processing speed, inhibition and working memory in older adults, with these last two domains considered components of executive function. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 108-115.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, California State University, Fullerton, California, USA.|Gerontology Academic Program, California State University, Fullerton, California, USA.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zettel-Watson
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, California State University, Fullerton, California, USA.
authors.forename: Meagan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Suen
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, California State University, Fullerton, California, USA.
authors.forename: Lara
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wehbe
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, California State University, Fullerton, California, USA.
authors.forename: Dana N
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Rutledge
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, California State University, Fullerton, California, USA.|Gerontology Academic Program, California State University, Fullerton, California, USA.
authors.forename: Barbara J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Cherry
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D056344:Executive Function / Q000502:physiology*; D017079:Exercise Tolerance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007266:Inhibition, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength; D004856:Postural Balance
keywords: aging; cognition; executive function; health; physical fitness