Intensity and Domain-Based 24-Hr Activity Patterns Differ in Their Links to Cognitive and Cardiometabolic Health

TL;DR

This study finds that how older adults spend their time during the day affects their brain function and heart health differently depending on the type of activity.

Contribution

The study reveals that domain-specific activities, not just intensity, influence cognitive and cardiometabolic health in older adults.

Findings

Domain-based activity patterns are significantly linked to cognitive function and waist–hip ratio.

Intensity-based activity patterns are linked to waist–hip ratio but not cognitive function.

Promoting any physical activity seems sufficient for cardiometabolic health, but specific domains matter for cognitive function.

Abstract

Each day is made up of a composition of “time-use behaviours.” These can be classified by their intensity (eg, light or moderate–vigorous physical activity [PA]) or domain (eg, chores, socialising). Intensity-based time-use behaviours are linked with cognitive function and cardiometabolic health in older adults, but it is unknown whether these relationships differ depending on the domain (or type/context) of behaviour. This study included 397 older adults (65 ± 3 years, 69% female, 16 ± 3 years education) from Australia. Time-use behaviours were recorded using the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults (MARCA), cognitive function was measured using the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination III (ACE-III) and Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and waist–hip ratio were also recorded. Two 24-hour time-use compositions were derived from each participant’s MARCA, including a 4-part intensity composition (sleep, sedentary behaviour, light, and moderate–vigorous PA) and an 8-part domain composition (Sleep, Self-Care, Chores, Screen Time, Quiet Time, Household Administration, Sport/Exercise, and Social). Linear regressions found significant associations between the domain composition and both ACE-III (p = .010) and waist–hip ratio (p = .009), and between the intensity composition and waist–hip ratio (p = .025). Isotemporal substitution modelling demonstrated that the domains of sedentary behaviours and PA impacted their associations with ACE-III, while any PA appeared beneficial for waist–hip ratio. Findings suggest the domain of behaviour should be considered when aiming to support cognitive function, whereas, for cardiometabolic health, it appears sufficient to promote any type of PA.