Associations between physical activity trajectories and cognitive function in men aged 50 years and older: A 10-year longitudinal cohort study

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to examine the longitudinal associations between physical activity trajectories and cognitive function among Chinese men aged 50 years and older.

Methods

Data were obtained from 2535 male participants aged 50 and above in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011–2020). Physical activity levels (MET-min/week) were measured across five waves. Group-based trajectory modeling identified three distinct patterns: persistently high (n = 1322), moderate-increasing (n = 575), and low-increasing (n = 638). Cognitive function was assessed using standardized tools, including a word recall test for episodic memory, and orientation, serial subtraction, and figure-drawing tasks for mental intactness. Linear mixed-effects models were employed to examine associations between physical activity trajectories and cognitive outcomes, incorporating trajectory × time interaction terms and performing age-stratified analyses.

Results

Participants in the low-increasing group exhibited significantly better global cognitive function (β = 0.42, 95 % CI: 0.09–0.75) and mental intactness (β = 0.30, 95 % CI: 0.14–0.47). The moderate-increasing group was also significantly associated with higher mental intactness (β = 0.27, 95 % CI: 0.09–0.45). Interaction analyses indicated that both the low- and moderate-increasing groups had a slower rate of cognitive decline over time, especially in episodic memory. These protective associations reached statistical significance only among participants aged 50–59 years.

Conclusion

Among men aged 50 years and older, low and moderate-increasing physical activity trajectories were associated with better cognitive performance and slower cognitive decline. These benefits were most pronounced in mental intactness and episodic memory among those aged 50–59 years.