Isotemporal Substitution of Sedentary Time With Physical Activity Among Middle-Aged and Older Latinos: Effects on Episodic Memory.

Purpose: To examine the estimated effects of substituting 30 min of sedentary time with low-light physical activity (LLPA) and high-light physical activity (HLPA) on episodic memory, executive functioning, and working memory among middle-aged and older Latinos.

Design: A cross-sectional study.

Setting: Chicago and Chicagoland suburbs.

Subjects: Middle-aged and older Latinos (n = 61).

Measures: Accelerometer-assessed physical activity. A cognitive battery was administered to assess episodic memory, executive function, and working memory.

Analysis: Isotemporal substitution analyses were conducted, where unstandardized coefficients from linear regression models were used to examine the substitution effect of replacing sedentary time with LLPA and HLPA.

Results: Substitution of sedentary time with LLPA was associated with better episodic memory (Immediate recall, B = .947, P = .008; Delayed recall, B = .857, P = .013). No other significant substitution effects were present.

Conclusion: Middle-aged and older Latinos who replace sedentary time with LLPA may have better episodic memory. Future studies may target light physical activity to address cognition disparities and can inform the development of physical activity interventions that are appealing and accessible for Latinos.