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Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
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The causality of physical activity status and intelligence: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Zhangmeng Xu1, Furong Zhang1, Guorong Qiu2
1Department of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Plos One
|August 1, 2023
Summary
Physical activity and intelligence have a bidirectional causal relationship. While less screen time (LST) may decrease intelligence, screen time behavior (SBW) might increase it, though inverse causality exists.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Observational studies link physical activity (PA) to enhanced intelligence and sedentary behavior (SB) to cognitive risks.
- The causal relationship between PA/SB and intelligence remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal effects of various physical activity statuses on intelligence using Mendelian randomization (MR).
- To explore the independent effects of different physical activity traits on cognitive function.
Main Methods:
- Employed Mendelian randomization (MR) with inverse-variance weighted (IVW) as the primary approach.
- Utilized supplementary MR methods (weighted median, MR-Egger, MR-PRESSO) for sensitivity analysis.
- Conducted multivariable MR to assess independent effects of physical activity traits.
Main Results:
- Less screen time (LST) showed a negative association with intelligence (β = -0.133, p = 1.34×10-9).
- Sedentary behavior while working (SBW) suggested a potential positive effect on intelligence (β = 0.261, p = 0.011).
- Intelligence significantly influenced all physical activity states, indicating inverse causality.
Conclusions:
- A bidirectional causal relationship exists between physical activity states and intelligence.
- Findings suggest complex interplay between lifestyle behaviors and cognitive function.
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