Objective: We evaluated the specific association between physical activity and cognitive function among a national sample of the broader US adult population with evidence of systemic hypertension.
Methods: Data from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used to identify 1554 older adults, aged 60-85 years, with evidence of hypertension. The Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) was used to assess cognitive function tasks of pairing and free recall among participants. Participants were asked open-ended questions about participation in leisure-time physical activity over the past 30 days. For each of the activities, metabolic equivalent of task-min-month were calculated. Those at or above 2000 metabolic equivalent of task-min-month (equivalent to 150 min/week) were defined as physically active.
Results: In an unadjusted weighted multivariable linear regression model, those meeting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity guidelines (vs. not) had a DSST score 8.3 units higher (β = 8.3; 95% confidence interval: 5.9-10.7; P < 0.001). After adjusting for age, sex, race-ethnicity, smoking status, energy intake, weight status, HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, cholesterol medication status, glycated hemoglobin, diabetes medication status, and blood pressure medication status, those meeting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity guidelines (vs. not) had a DSST score 6.23 units higher (β = 6.23; 95% confidence interval: 4.6-7.9; P < 0.001).
Conclusion: In this national sample of hypertensive older adults, meeting physical activity guidelines was associated with higher cognitive function.