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. 2022 Nov 3:14:984075.
doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.984075. eCollection 2022.

Mediating effect of lower extremity muscle strength on the relationship between mobility and cognitive function in Chinese older adults: A cross-sectional study

Yaoxin Chen  1 , Yijun Zhan  1 , Hong Wang  2 , Hui Zhang  3 , Yiwen Cai  1 , Liaoyao Wang  1 , Wenyan Zhu  1 , Haiyue Shen  1 , Jian Pei  1
Affiliations

Mediating effect of lower extremity muscle strength on the relationship between mobility and cognitive function in Chinese older adults: A cross-sectional study

Yaoxin Chen et al. Front Aging Neurosci. .

Abstract

Aging is a multifactorial process associated with irreversible decline in mobility and cognitive function. However, the mechanisms underlying the relationship between mobility and cognitive function remain elusive. In specific, the mediating effect of muscle strength, which is essential to maintain mobility, on this relationship has yet to be clarified. Accordingly, we performed a cross-sectional study involving Chinese older adults to understand the role of muscle strength in the relationship between mobility and cognitive function. The cognitive function and physical performance of 657 community-dwelling participants aged over 65 years old were observed. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination, whereas physical performance, including mobility and muscle strength, was measured via Timed Up-and-Go Test and knee extension strength measurement. Data were statistically analyzed using PROCESS Model 4 developed by Hayes, and 595 complete data were finally included. Physical performance (mobility and muscle strength) was significantly correlated with cognitive function (p < 0.01). Muscle strength was negatively correlated with mobility (r = -0.273, p < 0.001) and positively correlated with cognitive function (r = 0.145, p < 0.001). Muscle strength accounted for 20.1% of the total mediating effects on the relationship between mobility and cognitive function, which revealed the partial mediating role of lower extremity muscle strength in this relationship.

Keywords: aging; cognitive function; mediation; mobility; muscle strength.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Mediating role of muscle strength on the relationships between mobility and cognitive function. The capital letters X, M, and Y were used to represent mobility, lower extremity muscle strength and cognitive function, respectively. The mediating effect tested the four following pathways (regression coefficients): mobility on muscle strength (Path a), muscle strength on cognitive function (Path b), mobility on cognitive function without medication (Path c), mobility on cognitive function with medication (Path c’).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Mediating role of muscle strength on the relationships between mobility and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults with normal cognition. The capital letters X, M, and Y were used to represent mobility, lower extremity muscle strength and cognitive function, respectively. The mediating effect tested the four following pathways (regression coefficients): mobility on muscle strength (Path a), muscle strength on cognitive function (Path b), mobility on cognitive function without medication (Path c), mobility on cognitive function with medication (Path c’).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Mediating role of muscle strength on the relationships between mobility and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults with cognitive impairment. The capital letters X, M, and Y were used to represent mobility, lower extremity muscle strength and cognitive function, respectively. The mediating effect tested the four following pathways (regression coefficients): mobility on muscle strength (Path a), muscle strength on cognitive function (Path b), mobility on cognitive function without medication (Path c), mobility on cognitive function with medication (Path c’).
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