To determine the associations between muscle-strengthening activity (MSA) and cognitive function among middle-aged and older adults.
Methods
This cross-sectional study included 2973 participants aged ≥55 in the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study. Participants self-reported leisure-time physical activity. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The associations of reported MSA frequency (0–1 vs. ≥2 sessions/week) and volume (zero, low: ≤250, medium: 250–420, high: >420 MET minutes/week) with mild cognitive impairment (MCI, defined as MoCA<26) and MoCA total score were examined using logistic and linear regression.
Results
Individuals who participated in ≥2 MSA sessions/week had a significantly higher MoCA total score. Participants with medium MSA volume were significantly associated with lower odds of being classified as MCI and associated with a higher MoCA total score than those with zero volume.
Conclusions
Engaging in MSA is associated with cognitive health among middle-aged and older adults independent of aerobic exercise.
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