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

Abstract

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.