Physical Activity Partially Mediates the Relationship of Primitive Reflexes to Cognitive Functioning and Psychological Resilience in Older Adults

Description

Unlike regular physical activity (PA), which benefits cognitive function (COG) and psychological resilience (RES) in older adults, the reemergence of primitive reflexes (PRs) is linked to cognitive decline. Despite PA’s potential role in delaying psychological impairment, the contrasting effects of PA and PRs on COG and RES have not been studied. This cross-sectional study examined these relationships in 115 healthy older adults (Mean age = 75.9 years; ± SD = 7.03; 23.5% men). PRs were assessed using 13 indices, while PA, COG, and RES were measured with questionnaires. One weak significant correlation was found between age and a single PR, and total right-side PRs were weakly positively correlated with age (R² = .066). Hierarchical linear regressions showed right-side PRs explained over 40% of the variance in COG and over 50% in RES. Mediation analysis indicated PA reduces the negative impact of PRs on COG and RES. This study suggests PA's positive effects on COG and RES may be due to downregulation of PRs, which tend to increase with age.

Steps to reproduce

Assess primitive reflexes in healthy older adults (60+) using the method described by Sanders and Gillig (2011) and Fiorentino (2014). Assess physical activity (PA) with GPAQ, resilience with Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10) and cognitive functioning with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE; Folstein et al., 1975). If you obtain statistically significant correlations between the target measures, perform hierarchical regressions with cognitive functioning and resilience as DVs and left and right side primitive reflexes, along with PA and age, as the IVs. Upon statistically significant regression models, check the mediating effect of PA between IVs and DVs.

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