Association Between Subjective Cognitive Decline and Twice-Weekly Muscle-Strengthening Activities in Middle-Aged and Older US Adults

An Analysis of the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Schroeder, Matthew W. MS
Waring, Molly E. PhD
Fowler, Nicole R. PhD, MHSA
Mace, Ryan A. PhD
Pagoto, Sherry L. PhD

¹Department of Psychology, 2647The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
²Department of Allied Health Sciences, 248510University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
³615912Indiana University Center for Aging Research, Indianapolis, IN, USA
⁴50826Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indianapolis, IN, USA
⁵Department of Medicine, 12250Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
⁶Center for Health Innovation and Implementation Science, 456720Indiana Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Indianapolis, IN, USA
⁷Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Department of Psychiatry, 370707Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
⁸1811Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

Matthew W. Schroeder, MS, Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, 1835 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. Email: [email protected]

American Journal of Health Promotion 38(5):p 615-624, June 2024. | DOI: 10.1177/08901171231224517

Purpose

Adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), the self-reported concern of reduced cognitive function, are recommended to do physical activity for its brain health benefits. US adults aged ≥45 with SCD are less likely to meet the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) aerobic activity recommendations. Their engagement in muscle-strengthening activities is unknown. We aimed to identify if US adults aged ≥45 with SCD are less likely to do twice-weekly muscle-strengthening activities compared to those without SCD.

Design

Secondary analysis of the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data.

Sample

114 164 respondents, representing approximately 59 million US adults aged ≥45.

Measures

SCD was indicated if the respondent reported confusion or memory loss during the past 12 months (yes/no). Respondents reported the frequency of muscle-strengthening activities, which we categorized as meeting the ACSM’s recommendations (2+ times per week) or not (<2 times per week).

Analysis

Crude and adjusted logistic regression models controlling for variables associated with SCD and muscle-strengthening activities. The models used sample weights to represent US adults in the included 31 states and Washington D.C.

Results

US adults aged ≥45 with SCD were less likely to do twice-weekly muscle-strengthening activities than those without SCD (28.6% [SE: .8%] vs 33.5% [SE: .3%], adjusted OR, .9; 95% CI: .9-1.0).

Conclusion

Primary care providers should encourage middle-aged and older patients to engage in muscle-strengthening and aerobic activities.