Both physical activity and sedentary time are closely associated with the incidence of MCI in older adults, with maintaining a weekly PAL between 1,485 and 4,000 MET-min/wk and limiting daily sedentary time to under 200 min potentially helping to reduce MCI risk.
Key Findings
Results
Higher physical activity levels were associated with significantly reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment in older adults.
Cross-sectional survey conducted August to October 2025 using cluster sampling in community settings with 1,465 older adults.
Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA); PAL were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF).
The second quartile of PAL (vs. first quartile) was associated with significantly reduced MCI risk (OR = 0.544, p < 0.05).
The fourth quartile of PAL (vs. first quartile) was associated with significantly reduced MCI risk (OR = 0.345, p < 0.05).
Sensitivity analyses confirmed the relationships remained robust.
Results
The relationship between physical activity level and MCI risk followed a non-linear dose-response pattern, with the most pronounced cognitive benefit at approximately 1,485 MET-min/wk.
Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was used to explore dose-response relationships between PAL and MCI.
As PAL increased, the risk of MCI gradually decreased, with the most pronounced cognitive benefit observed at approximately 1,485 MET-min/wk.
When PAL exceeded 4,000 MET-min/wk, the MCI risk tended to increase.
The recommended range for MCI risk reduction was identified as 1,485 to 4,000 MET-min/wk.
Results
The second quartile of sedentary time was associated with a significantly lower risk of MCI compared to the first quartile.
Sedentary time was self-reported by participants.
The second quartile of sedentary time (vs. first quartile) was associated with significantly lower MCI risk (OR = 0.561, p < 0.05).
Logistic regression models were employed to analyze the association between sedentary time and MCI.
Sensitivity analyses confirmed the association remained robust.
Results
The relationship between sedentary time and MCI risk was non-linear, with risk initially decreasing then increasing with longer sedentary duration.
RCS analysis showed MCI risk initially decreased and then increased with longer sedentary duration.
The lowest MCI risk was observed at around 150 min/day of sedentary time.
MCI risk began to rise after sedentary time exceeded 200 min/day.
Limiting daily sedentary time to under 200 min was identified as potentially beneficial for reducing MCI risk.
Chen W, Zhang L, Abulizi P, Zou T, Xiang X, Wu R, et al.. (2026). Association between physical activity levels, sedentary time, and mild cognitive impairment in older adults.. Frontiers in public health. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1723009