Relationship Between Physical Exercise and Cognitive Function Among Older Adults in China:Cross-Sectional Population-Based Study

Background: The existing literature reveals several significant knowledge gaps that hinder health care providers in formulatingexercise prescriptions for cognitive health. Objective: This study endeavors to elucidate the relationship between the level of physical activity and cognitive function inolder adults in China. Moreover, it seeks to explore the associations between distinct exercise behaviors-such as exercise types,the purpose motivating engagement in exercise, the accessibility of exercise fields, and the inclination toward exercise-andcognitive function.Methods: Using data from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS conducted in 2016, cognitive function wasmeticulously assessed through the modified Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination, encompassing measures oforientation, memory, and calculation. Using self-report structured questionnaires, a myriad of information about physical activityduring leisure time, exercise engagement, exercise intensity, primary exercise types, reasons for exercise participation, availabilityof sports facilities, and exercise willingness was diligently gathered. Robust ordinary least squares regression models were thenused to compute coefficients along with 95% CIs. Results: A discernible inverted U-shaped trend in cognitive scores emerged as the level of physical activity surpassed thethreshold of 500 metabolic equivalents of task (MET) minutes per week. Notably, individuals with a physical activity levelbetween 500 and 999 MET minutes per week exhibited a coefficient of 0.31 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.54), those with a physical activitylevel between 1000 and 1499 MET minutes per week displayed a coefficient of 0.75 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.97), and those with aphysical activity level above 1500 MET minutes per week demonstrated a coefficient of 0.45 (95% CI 0.23 to 0.68). Olderindividuals engaging in exercise at specific MET levels showcased superior cognitive function compared to their inactivecounterparts. Furthermore, individuals driven by exercise motivations aimed at enhancing physical fitness and health, as well asthose using sports facilities or public spaces for exercise, exhibited notably higher cognitive function scores. Conclusions: The findings underscore the potential of exercise as a targeted intervention for the prevention and treatment ofdementia or cognitive decline associated with aging in older individuals. Leveraging these insights to formulate informed exerciserecommendations holds promise in addressing a significant public health challenge linked to aging populations.