Adult Physical Function Has Roots in Early Childhood Brain Function: A Five-Decade Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Physical function tests traditionally assess musculoskeletal health and age-related decline.
• Emerging evidence suggests these tests may also reflect neurological function.
• The link between early brain development and later physical function remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if early childhood brain function predicts midlife physical function.
• To test the hypothesis that adult physical function is associated with brain function from early childhood.
• To add evidence that physical function tests measure brain health.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Dunedin Study, a 5-decade longitudinal birth cohort (n=1,037).
• Measured early childhood brain function at age 3 using a composite of neurological, cognitive, motor, and temperament assessments.
• Assessed midlife physical function at age 45 using a composite of gait speed, balance, strength, and motor tests.

Main Results:

• Poorer age-3 brain function was significantly associated with poorer age-45 physical function (β: 0.23, p < .001), even after controlling for socioeconomic status.
• Early brain function deficits predicted slower gait speed, reduced chair stands, poorer balance, and weaker grip strength in adulthood.
• These findings indicate a robust link between early brain development and lifelong physical capabilities.

Conclusions:

• Physical function in adulthood is associated with brain function established in early childhood.
• Physical function tests may serve as indicators of integrated brain-body health across the lifespan.
• Reconceptualizing physical function tests can support a more holistic approach to health assessment and care.