When it comes to the brain and cognition abilities, being a couch potato has few benefits, stated new research.
Adults who spend more time sitting for work and leisure (couch potato) had a better vocabulary, and reasoning skills, revealed a study published in the journal 'Psychology and Aging'. The research from assistant professor Aga Burzynska in the Colorado State University examined the link between sensor-measured physical activity and cognitive performance in a sample of 228 healthy older adults, aged 60 to 80.
‘Adults who engaged in more moderate-to-vigorous activity had better speed, memory, and reasoning abilities.’
The link between exercise and improved metabolic and cardiac health was well documented in the study. But the association between intensities of daily physical activity and cognitive health is less understood in older adults.
People aged 60 or more show decreases in speed, executive functioning, and memory.
The new study aims to understand how our habits and behaviors correlate with cognitive outcomes in older age.
Researchers used scientifically validated sensors that are more accurate than the average, consumer-based activity tracker. The sensor captured the daily time they spent sitting or in light versus moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
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"While earlier studies indicated that the brains of those who spend more time sitting may age faster, it seems that on the cognitive level, sitting time may also be meaningful," the authors wrote.
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