Po-Wen Ku */**, Kenneth R. Fox ***, Li-Jung Chen **** and Pesus Chou **
(*) Graduate Institute of Sports and Health, National Changhua University of Education, Taiwan
(**) Institute of Public Health and Community Medicine Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taiwan
(***) Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Bristol, UK
(****) Department of Exercise Health Science, National Taiwan University of Physical Education and Sport, Taiwan
Citation
Ku, P., R. Fox, K., Chen, L., Chou, P. (2012). Associations of leisure, work-related and domestic physical activity with cognitive impairment in older adults. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 43(2), 103-116. doi:10.7352/IJSP.2012.43.103
Abstract
This study aimed to explore independent associations between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), work-related, and domestic physical activity (WDPA) and specific parameters of physical activity (frequency, duration and intensity) with cognitive impairment. A total of 2,727 older adults (65+) participating in the 2005 Taiwan National Health Interview Survey were studied. Information on frequency, duration and intensity for each type of LTPA and WDPA was self-reported. Multivariate logistic regression models were undertaken to compute adjusted odds ratios (AOR) for LTPA and WDPA when predicting cognitive impairment assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination. LTPA rather than WDPA was associated with cognitive impairment (p=0.01). Participants expending less energy in LTPA had higher risk (AOR= 1.84, 95%CI: 1.13-2.29). Risk reduction among the three components of LTPA was only associated with duration of activity (p=0.02). Regular engagement in LTPA for at least 30 minutes is associated with reduced risk of cognitive impairment.
Keywords: exercise, Cognitive impairment, Dementia, Physical activity