A Reverse J-Shaped Association Between Total Physical Activity and Cognitive Impairment in Older Chinese Adults: Evidence from a Nationally Representative Cross-sectional Study Using CHARLS Data
Cross-sectional analysis identifies optimal total physical activity levels for cognitive health in older adults, suggesting mediation by life satisfaction and depression.
Key Points
The study finds a reverse J-shaped association, indicating that around 2,800 MET-minutes/week of physical activity denotes the lowest cognitive impairment risk.
Logistic regression showed an odds ratio of 0.772 (95% CI: 0.648–0.917) for cognitive impairment at the optimal activity level.
Data from 7,818 participants aged 60 and older were analyzed using structural equation modeling and various regression techniques.
High or low physical activity levels correlate with increased cognitive risk, emphasizing the importance of balanced activity for mental health.