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Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
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Agreement between self-report and device-measured sedentary behavior varies with cognitive function
Zhen Yang1, Joanna E Moodie2, Philippa M Dall3
1Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven.
Psychology and Aging
|February 23, 2026
Summary
Cognitive function impacts how accurately older adults report sedentary behavior. Poorer cognitive function correlates with greater discrepancies between self-reported and device-measured sedentary time.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Sedentary behavior is a key lifestyle factor for older adult health.
- Discrepancies exist between self-report and device-based sedentary behavior measures.
- Cognitive function's role in these discrepancies is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between cognitive function and agreement between self-report and device-measured sedentary behavior in older adults.
- To determine if cognitive abilities influence the accuracy of self-reported sedentary time.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of 257 participants (mean age 78.9 years) from the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936.
- Assessed cognitive function using 13 tests across multiple domains (general, crystallized, visuospatial, memory, processing speed).
- Measured sedentary behavior via self-report questionnaire and activPAL accelerometers.
Main Results:
- Agreement between self-report and accelerometer-measured sedentary behavior was weak.
- Poorer general cognitive function and domain-specific cognitive abilities were associated with poorer agreement.
- Higher cognitive function predicted better agreement between the two measurement methods.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive function may influence the accuracy of self-reported sedentary behavior in older adults.
- Findings highlight the importance of considering cognitive status when measuring sedentary behavior in aging populations.
- Future research should explore interventions to improve self-report accuracy considering cognitive factors.
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