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June 7, 2026BMC PsychologyOpen Access

A 1%-33% proportion of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with the lowest odds of cognitive impairment (aOR 0.48; 95% CI 0.35-0.67) and depressive symptoms in older adults.

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Why the study?

Is the proportion of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity associated with cognitive function and depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults?

Population

17,057 middle-aged and older adults from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

Comparison

Proportion of moderate-to-vigorous physical… vs Different proportions of MVPA

Design

Cross-sectional

Key result

A 1%-33% proportion of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with the lowest odds of cognitive impairment (aOR 0.48; 95% CI 0.35-0.67) and depressive symptoms in older adults.

Authors

XGXiuguo GeXSXiaoxiang ShenKXKening Xue

Discussion

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Overview

A proportion of 1%-33% moderate-to-vigorous physical activity relative to total physical activity volume is associated with the lowest odds of cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms in older adults.

Key Points

  • This research examines the relationship between the proportion of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and cognitive function and mental health.
  • Cross-sectional analysis of 17,057 middle-aged and older adults from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.
  • Physical activity was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.
  • Cognitive function and depressive symptoms were assessed with standardized interviews and scales.
  • 1%-33% MVPA was linked to lower odds of cognitive impairment (aOR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.67).
  • 1%-33% MVPA also showed lower odds of depressive symptoms (aOR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.76).
  • 67%-100% MVPA was associated with an increase in depressive symptoms and significantly less favorable outcomes among male participants (aOR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.83, 1.22).

Study Design

Type

Cross-Sectional (n=17,057)

Multicenter

Yes

Structured PICO

Is the proportion of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity associated with cognitive function and depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults?

P
Population
17,057 middle-aged and older adults from China evaluated for the association between the proportion of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and cognitive and mental health.
E
Exposure
Proportion of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) relative to total volume of physical activity
C
Comparator
Different proportions of MVPA (e.g., 1%-33% vs 67%-100%)
O
Outcome
Cognitive function and depressive symptomspatient reported

Main Result

Odds Ratio: 0.48 (95% CI 0.35–0.67)

A proportion of 1%-33% moderate-to-vigorous physical activity relative to total physical activity volume is associated with the lowest odds of cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms in older adults.

Cite This Study

Ge et al. (2026) reported a cross-sectional. 1%-33% moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) proportion vs. Other proportions of MVPA was evaluated on Cognitive impairment (aOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.35-0.67). A 1%-33% proportion of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with the lowest odds of cognitive impairment (aOR 0.48; 95% CI 0.35-0.67) and depressive symptoms in older adults.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a250a3c7def13d035e1a7fahttps://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-026-04931-6
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Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

  1. 1Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and cognition among older adults in China: Mediation by depressive symptoms and moderation by age2026 · 1 citations
  2. 2A 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 Data2025
  3. 3The Moderating Effect of Physical Activity on the Association Between Cognition and Depression Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Differential Analysis by European Regions.2025
  4. 4The mediating role of depression on the association between physical activity and cognitive function among older adults2025
  5. 5Does Physical Activity Intensity Matter? Longitudinal Evidence From a 5-Wave National Chinese Cohort on Chronic Disease Prevalence2025