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Keep moving without hurting: The interaction between physical activity and pain in determining cognitive function at
Nelson Mauro Maldonato1, Raffaele Sperandeo2, Giovanni Caiazzo3
1Department of Neuroscience and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
Plos One
|June 2, 2018
Summary
Physical activity is linked to better cognitive function in older adults, while pain is associated with decline. Prioritizing exercise and pain management may support brain health in aging populations.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Previous research explored cognitive function, pain, and physical activity individually.
- This study is the first to examine these factors concurrently at a population level.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between cognitive function and pain/physical activity in the elderly.
- To analyze the interaction effects of pain and physical activity on cognitive function in a US population.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database (1999-2002).
- Assessed cognitive function using the Digit Symbol Substitution Test.
- Defined pain as soreness (shoulder, neck, lower back, joint) or severe headache; measured physical activity across various domains (home tasks, intensity, walking, cycling, strengthening).
Main Results:
- Most individual pain sites showed no significant link to cognitive function.
- All measured physical activity factors correlated with improved cognitive function.
- In individuals with lower or higher cognitive scores, a combination of increased pain and decreased physical activity was associated with poorer cognitive outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Higher cognitive function in adults over 60 is associated with greater physical activity and less pain.
- Both physical activity and pain appear to influence cognitive function in the aging population.
- Public health policies should consider these findings to support cognitive health in older adults.
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