The association between upper limb function, physical exercise, and cognitive ability among empty-nest elderly in...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Public Health

Background:

• China's aging population presents challenges to cognitive health, particularly for empty-nest older adults.
• The relationship between upper limb function, physical activity, and cognition in this demographic is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations between upper limb function, physical exercise, and cognitive ability in Chinese empty-nest elderly.
• To explore the potential mediating effect of physical exercise on the link between upper limb function and cognitive function.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study using data from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS).
• Included 5,060 empty-nest older adults (≥60 years).
• Assessed upper limb function, physical exercise, and cognitive ability via questionnaires; analyzed using logistic regression and mediation analysis.

Main Results:

• Restricted upper limb function was significantly associated with a higher risk of cognitive impairment (OR=2.55).
• Regular physical exercise was significantly associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment (OR=0.77).
• Physical exercise mediated 5.95% of the association between upper limb function and cognition, indicating a minor role.

Conclusions:

• Restricted upper limb function is linked to increased cognitive impairment risk in Chinese empty-nest elderly.
• Regular physical exercise is associated with a reduced risk of cognitive impairment in this population.
• Physical exercise plays a minor mediating role in the relationship between upper limb function and cognitive ability.