Neuromuscular screening and cognitive function in older adults: A cross-sectional exploratory study.

The average MoCA score in community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older was 25.5 ± 2.1, with 50% of participants scoring below the commonly used clinical threshold.

• Study population consisted of community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older
• Cognitive performance was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
• Mean MoCA score was 25.5 ± 2.1
• 50% of participants scored below the commonly used clinical threshold

Handgrip strength was strongly correlated with skeletal muscle mass but only weakly associated with cognitive function.

• Correlation between handgrip strength and skeletal muscle mass was r = 0.64
• Correlation between handgrip strength and MoCA scores was r = 0.22
• Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)
• The weak association suggests handgrip strength alone is insufficient as a cognitive indicator

Neuromuscular responsiveness at 60 Hz stimulation showed a moderate negative correlation with MoCA scores, accounting for 20% of its variance.

• The slope at 60 Hz stimulation showed a moderate negative correlation with MoCA scores (r = -0.35)
• The relationship accounted for 20% of MoCA variance (R2 = 0.20)
• The association approached but did not reach conventional statistical significance (p = 0.088)
• Neuromuscular responsiveness was measured using a custom-built diagnostic device delivering electrically evoked stimulation

Physical activity levels in the study sample were generally low and not significantly related to cognitive or muscular parameters.

• Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF)
• No significant associations were found between physical activity and cognitive function
• No significant associations were found between physical activity and muscular parameters
• The study design was cross-sectional and exploratory

This cross-sectional study examined associations between cognitive function and selected physiological parameters including handgrip strength, body composition, physical activity, and electrically evoked neuromuscular responsiveness.

• Study participants were community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older
• Cognitive performance was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
• Additional measures included handgrip strength, body composition via bioelectrical impedance analysis, and physical activity via IPAQ-SF
• Neuromuscular responsiveness was assessed using a custom-built diagnostic device
• The study was cross-sectional and exploratory in design