Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice ›› 2024, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (12): 1442-1451.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2024.12.010

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Relationship of physical activity and cognitive function to sleep quality in older adults with cognitive impairment: a mediating effect of resting EEG

MA Xiaochen1, LI Shufan1, JIA Shuqi1, LIU Cong1, ZHANG Zhenyu2, HAN Dongyang1()   

  1. 1. Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
    2. Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance, Shanghai 201620, China
  • Received:2024-10-06 Revised:2024-11-13 Published:2024-12-25 Online:2024-12-30
  • Contact: HAN Dongyang E-mail:13183079018@163.com
  • Supported by:
    Shanghai Key Lab of Human Performance (Shanghai University of Sport)(11DZ2261100);National Social Science Fund of China(22BTY076)

Abstract:

Objective To investigate the relationship of physical activity (PA) and cognitive function to sleep quality in older adults with cognitive impairment based on resting electroencephalogram (EEG), and to explore the mediating role of specific EEG markers in the relationship between PA and sleep quality.

Methods From March to May, 2024, 137 older adults were recruited from Chenfu Jiayuan and Qiangwei Jiuli in Songjiang district, and Luyan communities in Jinshan district, Shanghai. The assessments included Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), along with a five-minute EEG recording.

Results There was significant difference in sleep quality among older adults with different levels of cognitive impairment (t = -7.400, P < 0.001). The PSQI total score was negatively correlated with MoCA scores (r = -0.412, P < 0.001) and total physical activity level (PAL) (r = -0.363, P < 0.001). The θ power in the frontal areas (F3, F4) was significantly correlated with both PSQI scores and PAL (P < 0.01). The θ power in F3 + F4 exhibited a significant partial (effect size = -0.0004, 95%CI -0.0007 to -0.0002) mediating effect between PA and sleep quality in older adults with cognitive impairment.

Conclusion Older adults with more severe cognitive impairment tend to have poorer sleep quality, whereas higher PAL is associated with better sleep quality. PA can indirectly influence sleep quality in older adults with cognitive impairment by affecting θ power (F3 + F4).

Key words: physical activity, sleep quality, cognitive impairment, older adults, electroencephalography

CLC Number: