Author/Editor		Gonnelli, Federica; Giovanelli, Nicola; Floreani, Mirco; Bravo, Giulia; Parpinel, Maria; D'Amuri, Andrea; Brombo, Gloria; Pišot, Rado; Šimunič, Boštjan; Pišot, Saša
Title		Physical capacities and leisure activities are related with cognitive functions in older adults
Type		članek
Vol. and No.		Letnik 62, št. 1
Publication year		2022
Volume		str. 131-138
ISSN		1827-1928
Language		eng
Abstract		BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between physical activity habits, physical performance and cognitive capacity in older adults’ population of Italy and Slovenia. METHODS: Anthropometric characteristics and body composition bioelectrical impedance analysis were evaluated in 892 older adults (60-80 y). Aerobic capacity was measured using the 2-km walk test and handgrip and flexibility tests were performed. Physical activity habits and cognitive functions were evaluated by the Global-Physical-Activity-Questionnaires (GPAQ) and by Montreal-Cognitive-Assessment (MoCA) questionnaires, respectively. RESULTS: GPAQ scores were associated with lower BMI (r=-0.096; P=0.005), lower percentage of fat-mass (r=-0.138; P=0.001), better results in the 2-km walk test (r=-0.175; P=0.001) and a higher percentage of fat-free mass (r=0.138; P=0.001). We also evaluated that a higher MoCA Score correlates with age (r=-0.208; P=0.001), 2-km walk test (r=-0.166; P=0.001), waist-hip ratio (r=-0.200; P=0.001), resting heart-rate (r=-0.087; P=0.025) and heart-rate at the end of 2-km walk test (r=0.189; P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Older adults with a higher level of daily physical activity showed reduction in fat-mass and BMI, and higher aerobic fitness; these characteristics have a protection effect on cognitive function.
Descriptors		Staranje Telovadba Spoznavanje Družbeno življenje in običaji
Keywords		ageing exercise cognition habits