Dissecting the causal relationship between moderate to vigorous physical activity levels and cognitive performance: a
1Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Frontiers in Psychology
|September 23, 2024
Summary
Engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) significantly reduces cognitive risk. Conversely, lower cognitive function may limit an individual's ability to participate in MVPA, highlighting a bidirectional relationship.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience and Public Health
- Genetics and Epidemiology
Background:
- Emerging evidence suggests a link between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and cognitive health.
- The bidirectional relationship between physical activity and cognitive risk requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal relationship between MVPA and cognitive risk using a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.
- To explore the potential impact of cognitive performance on the risk of inadequate MVPA.
Main Methods:
- Utilized genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for MVPA (n=377,234) and cognitive performance (n=257,841).
- Employed inverse variance weighted (IVW) as the primary MR method, supplemented by MR Egger, Weighted Median, Weighted Mode, and Simple Mode.
- Conducted sensitivity analyses using MR Egger test, Cochran's Q, MR PRESSO, and leave-one-out methods to ensure robustness.
Main Results:
- Increased MVPA was associated with a significant reduction in cognitive risk (OR = 0.577, p = 1.930 × 10-6).
- Higher cognitive performance was linked to a reduced risk of inadequate MVPA (OR = 0.866, p = 1.200 × 10-18).
Conclusions:
- MVPA exerts a protective effect against cognitive risk.
- Cognitive health status may influence an individual's capacity for physical activity.
- Findings support personalized strategies for health and sports interventions.
