Association between physical activity, body composition, and cognitive performance among female office workers

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Cognitive decline typically studied in the elderly and youth, neglecting middle age.
• Gender-specific effects of physical activity on cognition in middle-aged women are under-researched.
• Middle-aged working women face unique challenges impacting cognitive health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the link between regular physical activity and cognitive function in middle-aged female office workers.
• To explore the impact of physical activity on body composition and cognitive performance.
• To assess the utility of the "Brain Gym" App for cognitive assessment.

Main Methods:

• Study population: Middle-aged female office workers.
• Assessment of cognitive functions (working memory, reaction time, executive function) and body composition.
• Comparison between regular exercisers and sedentary individuals.
• Utilized the "Brain Gym" App for cognitive function assessment.

Main Results:

• Middle-aged females showed age-related decline in working memory.
• Regular exercise group maintained cognitive performance across age.
• Sedentary group experienced age-related declines in reaction time and executive function.

Conclusions:

• Regular physical activity is crucial for preserving cognitive function in middle-aged women.
• Exercise mitigates age-related cognitive decline, particularly in working memory, reaction time, and executive function.
• Body composition and physical activity are important factors for cognitive well-being in this demographic.