Cross-sectional study of the optimal types of physical exercise for cognitive function in older Japanese adults

Aim

This study aimed to determine whether practicing coordination exercises, compared with other physical exercise types, is associated with better cognitive function in older Japanese adults.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used data from a health checkup project carried out from 2015 to 2019 among older adults living in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. Data from 569 participants (mean age 74.0 ± 5.4 years, 53.8% women) were analyzed. The types of physical exercise practiced within the seven preceding days were identified. The Five-Cog test and Trail Making Test were used to evaluate general cognitive function and executive function, respectively. The cognitive functions of practitioners and non-practitioners of each type of physical exercise – coordination, endurance, resistance, and stretching – were examined using an analysis of covariance.

Results

Although practitioners of any physical exercise did not have significantly better cognitive function than non-practitioners, in an analysis stratified by exercise amount, those who practiced more coordination exercise had better general cognitive function than non-practitioners (P = 0.046), in a fully adjusted model.

Conclusion

Those who practiced more coordination exercises had better general cognitive function. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 1173–1180.