Association Between Physical Function and Cognitive Function Among Older Adults With Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity: The Mediating Role of Physical Activity.

PURPOSE: To examine the mediating effect of physical activity on the relationships between physical function (including upper and lower extremity functions) and cognitive function among older adults with cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM).

METHOD: The current descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 526 older adults with CMM in three community health care centers in Beijing, China. Participants completed questionnaires including the Mini-Mental State Examination, Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Upper and lower extremity functions were measured by grip strength and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), respectively.

RESULTS

Cognitive function had a positive correlation with physical activity and various physical functions (p < .05). Physical activity was also positively associated with various physical functions (p < .05). Indirect effect of physical activity on the association between grip strength and cognitive function was 0.034 and explained 13.93% of the total effect. Physical activity mediated 18.81% (effect = 0.038, 95% confidence interval [0.003, 0.077]) of the total effect of SPPB total score (overall lower extremity function) on cognitive function.

CONCLUSION

Physical function not only directly influences cognitive function but also exerts an indirect effect through physical activity in older adults with CMM. It is necessary to monitor physical function regularly and encourage older adults to engage in physical activity and other community activities, which may delay cognitive decline and slow the progression of CMM.