The relationship between physical activity, sedentary time, and cognitive function following bariatric surgery.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Behavioral Science
• Bariatric Surgery

Background:

• Obesity is linked to cognitive impairment.
• Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) improves cognition, independent of weight loss.
• The roles of physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST) in post-MBS cognitive outcomes require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively examine the relationships between PA, ST, and cognitive function after MBS.
• To investigate potential sex differences in these associations.

Main Methods:

• 138 MBS patients completed cognitive assessments (NIH Toolbox) and wore accelerometers.
• Measurements of ST, light-intensity PA (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) were taken at baseline and 1, 6, and 12 months post-surgery.
• Multilevel modeling was used to analyze the data.

Main Results:

• Sedentary time (ST) was negatively associated with working memory and picture sequence memory.
• ST was positively associated with inhibitory control and attention.
• Moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) was positively associated with card sorting performance; LPA showed no significant cognitive associations.

Conclusions:

• Sedentary time and MVPA are linked to cognitive function post-MBS, with ST having complex associations.
• Movement and activity levels appear to play a role in cognitive outcomes after MBS.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.