Table_1_Processing speed mediates the association between physical activity and executive functioning in elderly adults.DOCX

Advanced aging is associated with cognitive decline. To decrease the healthcare system and socio-economic burdens as well as to promote better quality of life, is important to uncover the factors that may be related to the delay of cognitive impairments in older adults. This study investigated the relationship between physical activity levels, sedentary behavior and cardiorespiratory fitness with cognitive functioning in healthy older adults. Furthermore, it examined the mediating role of processing speed on the association between physical activity and executive functions and long-term memory. Thirty-two individuals aged between 63 and 77 years (M = 68.16, SD = 3.73) underwent measurements of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2peak), 1-week of PA accelerometer measurement and a comprehensive cognitive assessment. Significant associations were observed between MVPA and cognitive processing speed. Equally, a significant positive indirect effect of MVPA on executive functioning and long-term memory was mediated by processing speed. Also, MVPA levels differentiated cognitive functioning in older adults – the physical active group outperformed the physical inactive group in processing speed, executive functions, and language abilities. Our results contribute to the literature on the MVPA levels as an important tool to promote healthier cognitive aging.

高级老化与认知衰退密切相关。为减轻医疗体系和社会经济负担，并促进生活质量之提升，揭示可能与延缓老年人认知障碍相关的因素显得尤为重要。本研究旨在探讨身体活动水平、久坐行为及心肺耐力与健康老年人认知功能之间的关系。此外，研究还考察了处理速度在身体活动与执行功能、长期记忆之间关联中的中介作用。32名年龄介于63至77岁之间（平均年龄为68.16岁，标准差为3.73）的个体接受了最大摄氧量（VO2peak）、一周的PA加速度计测量和全面的认知评估。结果显示，中高强度体力活动（MVPA）与认知处理速度之间存在显著关联。同样，MVPA对执行功能和长期记忆的间接正向效应通过处理速度的中介作用得到证实。此外，MVPA水平在区分老年人认知功能方面起到重要作用——活跃的个体在处理速度、执行功能和语言能力方面均优于久坐的个体。本研究结果为关于MVPA水平作为促进更健康认知老化的重要工具的文献做出了贡献。