Journal article
Rest–Activity Rhythm Characteristics and Cognitive Function in Cognitively Healthy Older Adults
Journal of aging and physical activity, Vol.34(3), pp.360-369
06/2026
DOI: 10.1123/japa.2024-0234
PMID: 41057020
Abstract
Background/Objective : Rest–activity rhythm (RAR) describes the pattern of physical activity and rest periods in 24 hr. This study investigated the association between RAR and cognitive performance among older adults. Methods : Sixty community-dwelling older adults aged 70 ± 7.3 years (mean ± standard deviation) wore an Actiwatch Spectrum Plus for 2 weeks and completed a neuropsychological battery to assess cognition. RAR parameters were analyzed using the cosinor approach, with a primary focus on mesor (mean activity level) and pseudo-F-statistics (the rhythmicity of RAR). Cognitive measures assessed immediate memory, memory recall, executive functioning, and processing speed. Multiple linear regression modeling was used to examine associations. Results : RAR mesor was associated with processing speed after adjustment for covariates (β = 12.78, p < .05). Pseudo-F-statistics were associated with immediate memory (β = 2.65, p < .05) and memory recall (β = 4.27, p < .05) in adjusted models. Conclusion : Our study contributes novel insights into the intricate relationship between RAR parameters and cognitive function in later life adults. We found positive associations between RAR mesor and processing speed as well as pseudo-F-statistics and memory in later life adults. Significance/Implications : These findings have potential implications for both research and clinical practice. For researchers, there is a need for further exploration of the complex associations between RAR and cognitive health, preferably through large-scale, diverse, longitudinal studies. From a practical perspective, understanding these associations may guide the development of interventions aimed at promoting cognitive health.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Rest–Activity Rhythm Characteristics and Cognitive Function in Cognitively Healthy Older Adults
- Creators
- Meina Zhang - University of IowaKarin F. Hoth - University of IowaKara M. Whitaker - University of IowaCarinda Linkenmeyer - University of IowaChooza Moon - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of aging and physical activity, Vol.34(3), pp.360-369
- DOI
- 10.1123/japa.2024-0234
- PMID
- 41057020
- NLM abbreviation
- J Aging Phys Act
- ISSN
- 1063-8652
- eISSN
- 1543-267X
- Publisher
- HUMAN KINETICS PUBL INC
- Number of pages
- 10
- Grant note
- University of Iowa Institute for Clinical and Translational Science: 201802769 MPI: Gardner and Rakel: NIH/ACTS KL2TR002536, NIH/NINR P20 NR018081 Alzheimer ' s AssociationBarbara and Richard Csomay Center of Gerontological Excellence at the University of Iowa College of Nursing under the Barbara and Richard Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence: AARG-19-618403 Graduate College Post-Comprehen-sive Research Fellowship
The study was approved by the University of Iowa Institutional Review Board (IRB ID#201802769) . All the participants provided written docu-mentation of the informed consent process. The data underlying this article will be shared upon all reasonable requests made to the corresponding author. This work was supported by the University of Iowa Institute for Clinical and Translational Science (NIH/ACTS KL2TR002536, PI: Bas-suk, Scholar: Moon) , University of Iowa Center for Advancing Multi-morbidity Science (NIH/NINR P20 NR018081, MPI: Gardner and Rakel, Pilot PI: Moon) , Alzheimer ' s Association (AARG-19-618403, PI: Moon) , the Barbara and Richard Csomay Center of Gerontological Excellence at the University of Iowa College of Nursing under the Barbara and Richard Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence and the Optimal Aging Initiative award mechanism, and the Graduate College Post-Comprehen-sive Research Fellowship. This work was conducted on an MRI instrument funded by 1S10OD025025-01. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the of fi cial views of the NIH/ACTS, NIH/NINR, Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence, or Alzheimer ' s Association.
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 10/07/2025
- Date published
- 06/2026
- Academic Unit
- Psychiatry; Epidemiology; Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Nursing; Health, Sport, and Human Physiology
- Record Identifier
- 9985014875902771
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