Bidirectional associations of physical activity and cognitive function in midlife adults: a longitudinal analysis across 26 years follow-up.

ABSTRACT: Prior studies linking physical activity (PA) and cognition typically assume a causal association between PA and subsequent cognition. Yet, there remains speculation regarding the direction of this association. We investigated bidirectional associations between PA and cognition. Participants of the Medical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development cohort, all born in 1946 reported their PA frequency, undertook processing speed and word recall memory tasks throughout midlife (ages 43 years(y), 53y, 63y, and 69y). There was evidence of bidirectional associations in initial structural equation models. To quantify this relationship, mixed-effects models were fitted with a lagged predictor and controlling for childhood cognition, socioeconomic and health factors, attrition, and

SUBMITTER: Mitchell JJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12799601 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature