Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40610392›Full record

ArticleInternational journal of geriatric psychiatry2025

The Combination of Physical Activity and Cognitive Games is Associated With Better Cognitive Performance and Gray Matter Volume in Older Adults.

Ben Rattray, Joseph M Northey, Disa J Pryor, Allison A M Bielak, Kaarin J Anstey, Nicolas Cherbuin

Abstract read
PubMed Full text at PMC Publisher
In one paragraph

Article in International journal of geriatric psychiatry, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Ben RattrayDiscipline of Sport and Exercise Science, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1652-7726
Joseph M NortheyDiscipline of Sport and Exercise Science, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia.
Disa J PryorDiscipline of Sport and Exercise Science, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia.
Allison A M BielakDepartment of Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
Kaarin J AnsteySchool of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9706-9316
Nicolas CherbuinNational Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6481-0748

Funding

Australian Research Council FL190100011Dementia Collaborative Research Center-Assessment and Better CareNational Health and Medical Research Council 15725National Health and Medical Research Council 350833
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivesInvestigate whether engaging in cognitive and physical activity is associated with cognitive performance and gray matter volume. Specifically, this study investigated the role of both activity types performed in close temporal proximity to each other.

methodsCognitively healthy older adults (n = 155; 73-78 years; 45% female) enrolled in the PATH Through Life study with valid cognitive, MRI and physical activity (PA) measures were included in the study. PA was objectively measured with a SenseWear Armband for 7 days. PA and cognitive engagement were self-reported through a 1-week activity diary. The number of 3-h periods in which ≥ 15 min of objective moderately vigorous physical activity (MVPA) > 3METs, cognitive activity, or both occurred, were assessed. Cognitive game activity periods were also coded. Associations between activity engagement and outcome measures were assessed with hierarchical regression models while controlling for age, sex, and education.

resultsFor cognitive engagement, greater activity diversity was associated with better symbol digits modalities test performance (SDMT), while a greater number of cognitive activity periods were associated with better SDMT, and digit span backward performance. Greater cognitive game periods improved model fit for several cognitive outcomes and right hippocampal volume. MVPA periods were not associated with any outcome. The number of periods in which cognitive activity and MVPA were present together was associated with better immediate recall. Periods in which cognitive games and MVPA co-existed were associated with cognitive and volumetric outcomes. DISCUSSION: These findings support the notion that both cognitive and physical activity are positively related to brain health. They highlight the potential importance of performing both activity types in close temporal proximity to support the aging brain.

Indexed as

CognitionExerciseGray MatterAgedFemaleHumansMagnetic Resonance ImagingMaleNeuropsychological Testsbraincognitive trainingexerciselifestyleMRI

Identifiers

PMID40610392
PMCPMC12226445

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.