Association among cognitive function, physical fitness, and health status in older women

The association between dynamic balance and executive function: Which dynamic balance test has the strongest association with executive function? A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

The aging global population poses increasing challenges related to falls and dementia. Early identification of cognitive decline, particularly before noticeable symptoms manifest, is crucial for effective intervention. This review aims to determine the dynamic balance test most closely associated with executive function, potentially serving as a biomarker for cognitive decline.

RECENT FINDINGS

Based on recent reviews, inhibitory control, a component of executive function, holds significance in influencing balance performance. Studies suggest that the strength of the correlation between cognition and balance tends to be domain-specific and task-specific. Despite these findings, inconclusive evidence remains regarding the connection between executive function and various dynamic balance assessments. Our review identifies a significant association between all dynamic balance tests and executive function, albeit with varying strengths. Notably, a medium effect size is observed for the Timed Up and Go and Functional Reach Test, a small effect size for balance scales, and a strong effect size for postural sway. This review underscores a clear relationship between dynamic balance task performance and executive function. Dynamic posturography holds potential as a clinical biomarker for early detection of cognitive decline, with a note of caution due to observed heterogeneity and limited studies.

Observational evidence of the association between physical and psychological determinants of aging with cognition in older adults

Aging involves physical and cognitive deterioration in older adults. Detecting predictors of dementia early is crucial to identify its onset. This study aimed to associate physical and psychological determinants with cognitive performance in older adults. Observational study with 221 older adults, classified according to cognitive impairment. We evaluated cognitive function by Mini-Mental State Examination. Physical determinants encompassed muscle strength, functional mobility, and cardiorespiratory fitness, while psychological consisted of quality of life and activities of daily living. Multiple linear regression was performed to investigate this relationship. Physical and psychological determinants were significantly linked to cognitive impairment, including lower muscle strength, reduced functional mobility and of cardiorespiratory fitness. The influence of environment, autonomy, and engagement in daily activities on cognitive impairment was also observed. The analysis of physical and psychological determinants could help to aid in distinguishing individuals with cognitive impairment.

The Association Between Cognitive Domains and Postural Balance among Healthy Older Adults: A Systematic Review of Literature and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aims to explore which cognitive domain is more closely associated with which type of balance (static or dynamic).

RESENT FINDING

Based on recent reviews, inhibitory control, a part of cognition, plays a crucial role in balance performance. Previous reviews report significant links between cognition, mobility, and physical function in older adults. However, evidence regarding the relationship between cognition and balance scores remains inconclusive. The strength of association between cognition and balance appears to be domain-specific and task-specific. Executive function exhibits the strongest correlation with balance, while episodic memory shows a small link with dynamic balance. Processing speed and global cognition demonstrate moderate correlations. Additionally, there is a slight association between cognitive domains and static balance. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and develop targeted interventions for managing balance-related concerns that are domain-specific and task-specific.

Effects of multimodal cognitive exercise program on cognitive function, bone density, blood lipid, fitness, and depression in old women with mild cognitive impairment

The purpose of this study is to verify the effects of participation in 12-week multimodal cognitive exercise program on cognitive function, bone mineral density, blood lipids, senior functional fitness, and depression of the old women with mild cognitive impairment and osteopenia. As a result, the exercise group showed significant effects in cognitive function, depression, bone mineral density, blood lipid, lower extremity flexibility, upper extremity flexibility, dynamic balance, and body endurance. Such results prove that multimodal cognitive exercise program is an effective interventional exercise program for improving cognitive function in the old women with mild cognitive impairment.

Association of Smartphone Use Duration with Physical Fitness among University Students: Focus on Strength and Flexibility

High-frequency smartphone use leads to physical inactivity and may consequently cause the loss of physical fitness. Although the relationship between smartphone usage and physical fitness has been investigated, most of these studies focused on partial physical fitness, and the evaluation of the duration of smartphone use was insufficient. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between the time period of using smart phones and physical fitness in Chinese university students. In this cross-sectional study, 8977 college students (5189 men and 3788 women) were enrolled. The assessment of smartphone usage was performed using a self-reported questionnaire. Physical fitness was measured in a sports facility, consisting of grip strength, standing long jump, and sit-and-reach test. The post adjustment relationship between smartphone use duration and physical fitness was examined by using the ANCOVA test. In the final adjusted model, an inverse association was observed between the smartphone use duration and grip strength in male and female participants (p = 0.003 and <0.001, respectively). The smartphone use duration was also negatively associated with standing long jump in both sexes (p = 0.003 for male and = 0.026 for female). In male participants, the longer the period of using smartphones, the lower their flexibility (p = 0.026). In conclusion, this study investigated the association between the duration of smartphone use and physical fitness. The results showed that longer durations of smartphone use were associated with weaker grip strength, a shorter standing long jump, and lower flexibility. Controlling smartphone-use duration might be beneficial for physical fitness among university students.