Association between physical performance and cognitive function in older adults across multiple studies: A pooled analysis study

Abstract

Background and Objectives While several studies have examined the association between cognitive and physical function, the consistency of these associations across functional contexts is unclear. The consistency of association between cognitive and physical function performance was examined at baseline across 17 clinical studies with diverse and heterogeneous conditions such as overweight/obese, sedentary, at risk for a mobility disability, osteoarthritis, low vitamin D, or had signs of cognitive impairment. Research Design and Methods Data are from 1,388 adults 50 years and older who completed a cognitive and physical function assessment as part of a research study at the Wake Forest Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center or the Wake Forest Older Americans Independence Center. Linear regression models were used to relate cognitive measures [Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and the Digit Symbol Substitution Task (DSST)], and physical measures [the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and hand grip strength] for the whole sample and treat each study as a fixed effect. All models controlled for age, sex, race, and body mass index (BMI). Results Overall, there was a significant association between higher scores on the MMSE (per standard deviation) and better physical function performance (SPPB score b= 0.24, p <0.001) and its components (gait speed, chair rise, and standing balance; p’s <0.05). Higher scores on the MoCA produced similar results (SPPB score b= 0.31, p= <0.001) and higher scores on the DSST were also significantly associated with a better SPPB score (b= 0.75, p <0.001). The relationship between DSST and physical function performance demonstrated a stronger magnitude of association compared to the MMSE or MoCA. Discussion and Implications Older adults with heterogenous health conditions showed a consistent pattern between better cognitive function and better physical function performance with the strongest association among DSST scores.

Positive Self-Perceptions of Aging Play a Significant Role in Predicting Physical Performance among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

“…These choices have allowed us to present a strong predictive model of physical performance including biological, psychological, and social factors. Supporting this, cognitive function has a well-established relationship with physical performance [44,45] and the expression of that relationship in our model further adds to the model's validity.…”

“…MMSE was the independent variable with the highest odds ratio in the logistic regression analysis. Cognitive and physical function, including physical performance, among older adults have been associated in several studies and seems to have a bidirectional relationship, with the strength of that relationship partly depending on the measures used [ 44 , 45 ]. This relationship has been shown to be robust independent of age, sex, race, and heterogenous health conditions, though with variations among subgroups of people [ 45 ].…”

Deficits in rate of force production during multifinger tasks are associated with cognitive status

“…In relatively few instances (e.g., 40,41 ) have reliable associations between conventional measurements of grip strength and MoCA scores been obtained 42 . failed to do so when undertaking a pooled analysis of two studies comprising 152 participants (see also 43–46 …”

“…In relatively few instances (e.g., 40,41 ) have reliable associations between conventional measurements of grip strength and MoCA scores been obtained. 42 failed to do so when undertaking a pooled analysis of two studies comprising 152 participants (see also. [43][44][45][46] ) Including data from 5980 adults enrolled in the Irish Longitudinal Study of Ageing (TILDA) (mean � SD age of 62.29 � 8.21 years), and a locally recruited sample of 250 adults (mean � SD age of 73.12 � 9.06 years), 47 reported a weak but statistically significant (i.e., p < 0.05) linear relationship between grip strength and MoCA, when age, sex and education were included as covariates.…”

Validation of a Multi-Sensor-Based Kiosk in the Use of the Short Physical Performance Battery in Older Adults Attending a Fall and Balance Clinic

“…The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is an established tool used to assess lower extremity function. 1 ) Low SPPB scores, indicative of poor physical performance, are associated with adverse outcomes such as increased fall risk, 2 ) functional impairment, 3 , 4 ) cognitive impairment, 5 ) hospital readmission, 6 ) and all-cause mortality. 7 ) The SPPB also showed good diagnostic accuracy for detecting frailty in community-dwelling older persons.…”