Longitudinal associations of absolute versus relative moderate-to-vigorous physical activity with brain microstructural decline in aging

Higher moderate-to-vigorous intensity (MVPA) may preserve brain structural integrity, but evidence is mostly cross-sectional and relies on absolute PA measures. We examined longitudinal associations of absolute MVPA using population-level activity count thresholds and relative MVPA using individual heart rate reserve (HRR) via Actiheart with subsequent changes in brain diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) over average of 3.8 years in 248 initially cognitively normal individuals (56-91 years). DTI markers included areas important for memory (temporal areas), executive (prefrontal cortex, superior longitudinal fasciculus), and motor function (precentral gyrus, putamen, caudate, body of corpus callosum). Associations of MVPA with changes in DTI markers were examined using linear mixed-effects models, adjusted for demographics and apolipoprotein e4 carrier status. Each additional 22 min of relative MVPA per day was significantly associated with less decline in fractional anisotropy of uncinate fasciculus and cingulum-hippocampal part and with less increase in mean diffusivity of entorhinal cortex and parahippocampal gyrus. Absolute MVPA was not associated with DTI changes. More time spent in relative MVPA by HRR may prevent brain microstructural decline in selected temporal areas. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Automated summary

Higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity may help preserve brain structural integrity, particularly in selected temporal areas. The relationship between physical activity and brain changes seems to depend on the relative intensity of the activity rather than the absolute amount.