Associations of exercise snacks with cognitive function among older adults in NHANES 2011–2014

Abstract

Background

With an aging global population, dementia incidence is rapidly increasing, affecting 50 million people worldwide. While physical activity has been linked to cognitive enhancement, the specific effects of intermittent short bouts of exercise, termed ‘exercise snacks’ (ES), on cognitive function (CF) in older adults are not well understood.

Methods

We analyzed data from 2549 adults aged ≥60 years from the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycles. CF was assessed using standardized tests, and physical activity data were obtained from accelerometer measurements. ES was defined as 2–5 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Regression analyses, smoothed curve fitting, and threshold effect analyses were conducted, adjusting for relevant covariates.

Results

Significant positive associations were found between CF and daily average Monitor-Independent Movement Summary specific to ES (MIMS-ES: β = 0.0001, 95 % CI: 0.0001–0.0001) and total time spent on ES (Time-ES: β = 0.0021, 95 % CI: 0.0014–0.0029). Each additional unit of MIMS-ES and each minute of ES daily increased CF scores by 0.0001 and 0.0021 points, respectively, suggesting benefits for cognitive health in aging populations. An inverted U-shaped relationship was observed, with inflection points at 2522.82 units/day for MIMS-ES and 91.57 min/day for Time-ES, indicating diminishing cognitive benefits beyond these thresholds.

Conclusion

ES was associated with higher CF. This practical form of physical activity offers an effective strategy for cognitive health and mitigating age-related decline, presenting a more accessible alternative to traditional continuous exercise.