The Link Between Physical Fitness and Cognitive Function in Vulnerable Low-Income Older Adults from Amazonas, Brazil

Background: Studies on the association between cognitive and physical fitness in older adults from particularly vulnerable settings are scarce. This study aims to analyse the relationship between different protocols for assessing physical fitness and the cognitive function of low-income older adults. Methods: A total of 312 adults aged 60–96 years (M age = 72.63, SD= 7.81) living in the urban area of Amazonas, Brazil, participated in the study. The following measures of physical fitness were assessed: body composition, handgrip strength, the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test and Senior Fitness Tests. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Linear regression models were used to analyse the relationship between physical function measures and cognitive function. Results: For men, only the 30-chair stand test power (β = 0.33, p < 0.001) presented favourable association with cognitive function. For women, significant associations between MMSE score were observed for every fitness test, except for the chair sit-and-reach test. Conclusions: Physical fitness is differently associated with cognitive function among low-income older men and women from Amazonas. Muscular fitness particularly seems to be an important indicator of cognitive function. It should be considered for monitoring, promoting, and managing health-ageing of low-income elderly populations of both sexes.