1. Neuroscience

The effect of physical activity on brain structure and cognitive function in the population-based cohort of LIFE-Adult Study

  1. Polona Kalc  Is a corresponding author
  2. Robert Dahnke
  3. Christian Sanders
  4. Frauke Beyer
  5. Andrea Zülke
  6. Steffi Riedel-Heller
  7. A Veronica Witte
  8. Christian Gaser
  1. Jena University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Germany
  2. Jena University Hospital, Department of Neurology, Germany
  3. German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Germany
  4. LIFE – Leipzig Research Centre for Civilization Diseases, University of Leipzig, Germany
  5. Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Germany
  6. University of Leipzig Medical Center, Cognitive Neurology, Germany
  7. Max-Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Germany
  8. Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health, University of Leipzig, Germany
https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.109461.3
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Cite this article
  1. Polona Kalc
  2. Robert Dahnke
  3. Christian Sanders
  4. Frauke Beyer
  5. Andrea Zülke
  6. Steffi Riedel-Heller
  7. A Veronica Witte
  8. Christian Gaser
(2026)
The effect of physical activity on brain structure and cognitive function in the population-based cohort of LIFE-Adult Study
eLife 15:RP109461.
https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.109461.3
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3 figures, 18 tables and 1 additional file

Figures

Figure 1
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Graphical representation of two path analyses of the relationship between physical activity and (A) cognitive function and (B) Brain Age Gap Estimate (BrainAGE) at baseline, and physical capacity and cognitive function or BrainAGE at follow-up.

Age at baseline was used as covariate at both time points. No statistically significant effects of either PA at baseline on cognition at follow-up, nor of cognition at baseline on follow-up physical capacity can be observed. Model B shows a negative effect of structural brain ageing on physical capacity at follow-up, but no effect of PA at baseline on brain structural ageing pattern at follow-up. (Note: *p<0.05; **p<0.01; ***p<0.001.)

Figure 2
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Flowchart of data selection for cross-sectional analyses (left) and longitudinal analyses (right).
Appendix 1—figure 1
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Directed acyclic graph for the effect of physical activity on hippocampal volume.

Tables

Table 1
Sample characteristics.
Total baseline sample
(n=2576)		Actigraphy subsample
(n=227)		Longitudinal subsample 1
(n=342)		Longitudinal subsample 2
(n=253)
Demographics
Age [years]
Mdn (Q1, Q3)		64.47
(48.06, 70.60)		65.93
(50.64, 71.32)		63.57
(42.47, 69.86)		62.88
(38.79, 69.21)
Sex (% women)1204 (47%)110 (48%)137 (40%)100 (39.5%)
Missing (%)4 (0.16%)0 (0%)0 (0%)0 (0%)
Physical activity
Total PA [MET min/week]
Mdn (Q1, Q3)		4056
(2133, 6750)		4074
(2430, 6510)		4158.75
(2106, 6684)		4293
(2106, 7038)
Missing (%)405 (15.7%)27 (11.9%)0 (0%)0 (0%)
MVPA [MET min/week]
Mdn (Q1, Q3)		2400
(960, 4800)		2640
(1200, 4320)		2640
(960, 5040)		2880
(760, 5280)
Missing (%)405 (15.7%)27 (11.9%)0 (0%)0 (0%)
Lifestyle
Smoking status (% smokers)1101 (43%)83 (37%)158 (46%)119 (47%)
Missing (%)105 (4.08%)5 (2.20%)2 (0.6%)2 (0.8%)
Alcohol consumption [g/day]
Mdn (Q1, Q3)		4.75
(1.12, 16.14)		5.52
(1.15, 18.32)		5.70
(1.19, 16.87)		6.17
(1.41, 16.66)
Missing (%)173 (6.72%)13 (5.73%)15 (4.4%)12 (4.7%)
Socioeconomic status
Low475 (18.4%)29 (12.8%)49 (14.3%)38 (15.0%)
Middle1530 (59.4%)144 (63.4%)207 (60.5%)149 (58.9%)
High548 (21.3%)52 (22.9%)85 (24.9%)65 (25.7%)
Missing (%)23 (0.89%)2 (0.9%)1 (0.29%)1 (0.40%)
Cognitive function
TMT-A time [s]
Mdn (Q1, Q3)		34
(27, 44)		33
(26, 43)		33
(25, 44)		32
(24, 42.25)
Missing18 (0.7%)1 (0.44%)0 (0%)1 (0.40%)
TMT-B time [s]
Mdn (Q1, Q3)		78
(59, 103)		76
(58, 96)		76
(59, 96.75)		71.5
(56, 94)
Missing29 (1.13%)1 (0.44%)0 (0%)1 (0.40%)
MMSE
Mdn (Q1, Q3)		29
(28, 30)		29
(28, 30)		29
(28, 30)		29
(28, 30)
Missing1085 (42.1%)88 (38.8%)125 (36.5%)101 (39.9%)
Brain structure
Average hippocampal volume [ml]
M (SD)
Missing		3.10
(0.25)
0 (0%)		3.09
(0.24)
0 (0%)		3.12
(0.22)
10 (2.9%)		3.13
(0.22)
0 (0%)
BrainAGE
M (SD)
Missing		–1.31
(6.26)
0 (0%)		–1.63
(6.43)
0 (0%)		–1.29
(6.27)
10 (2.9%)		–1.52
(6.17)
0 (0%)
Table 2
Unadjusted and adjusted cross-sectional parameter estimates of self-reported total physical activity on brain structure and cognition.
ExposureOutcomeUnadjustedAdjusted
n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)
Total PA self-report (MET hr/day)Average hippocampal volume2576
–2		–0.0890.022−0.132, –0.045<0.00001<0.000012576–8–0.029†0.019−0.081, –0.0020.1200.137
Total PA self-report (MET hr/day)BrainAGE2572
–2		0.0420.022–0.001, 0.0840.0550.0882576–80.035‡0.022–0.007, 0.0780.1050.137
Total PA self-report (MET hr/day)Processing speed (time score at TMT-A)2565–30.0790.0240.032, 0.1270.0010.0032576–130.016§0.021–0.025, 0.0570.4370.437
Total PA self-report (MET hr/day)Executive function (time score at TMT-B)2560–30.1270.0250.077, 0.177<0.00001<0.000012576–130.053§0.0230.008, 0.0970.0210.042
  1. *

    Number of subjects and missing data patterns.

  2. †

    Adjusted for linear and quadratic effect of age, tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

  3. ‡

    Adjusted for tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

  4. §

    Adjusted for linear effect of age, tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

Table 3
Unadjusted and adjusted cross-sectional parameter estimates of accelerometer-derived average MET/day on brain structure.
ExposureOutcomeUnadjustedAdjusted
n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)
Sensewear actigraphy-derived average METs/dayAverage hippocampal volume227–10.1230.064–0.002, 0.2480.0530.212227–3–0.036†0.065–0.164, 0.0920.5820.582
Sensewear actigraphy-derived average METs/dayBrainAGE227–1–0.0680.065–0.196, 0.0600.2950.393227–3–0.076 ‡0.065–0.202, 0.0510.2420.393
  1. *

    Number of subjects and missing data patterns.

  2. †

    Adjusted for linear and quadratic effect of age, tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

  3. ‡

    Adjusted for tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

Table 4
Unadjusted and adjusted cross-sectional parameter estimates of self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on brain structure and cognition.
ExposureOutcomeUnadjustedAdjusted
n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)
MVPA self-report (MET hr/day)Average hippocampal volume2576–2–0.0720.022−0.115, –0.0280.0010.0042576–8–0.022†0.019−0.058, –0.0150.2450.280
MVPA self-report (MET hr/day)BrainAGE2572–20.0440.0220.001, 0.0870.0440.0722576–80.038‡0.022–0.005, 0.0810.0800.107
MVPA self-report (MET hr/day)Processing speed (time score at TMT-A)2565–30.0580.0250.009, 0.1070.020.0532576–130.011§0.021–0.030, 0.0520.5980.598
MVPA self-report (MET hr/day)Executive function (time score at TMT-B)2560–30.1010.0250.051, 0.150<0.00001<0.000012576–130.045§0.0220.001, 0.0890.0450.072
  1. *

    Number of subjects and missing data patterns.

  2. †

    Adjusted for linear and quadratic effect of age, tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

  3. ‡

    Adjusted for tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

  4. §

    Adjusted for linear effect of age, tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

Key resources table
Reagent type (species) or resourceDesignationSource or referenceIdentifiersAdditional information
SoftwareSPM12 (r7771)10.1016/j.neuroimage.2005.02.018RRID:SCR_007037
SoftwareCAT12 (12.9)Gaser et al., 2024RRID:SCR_019184
Softwarelaavan 0.6–19Rosseel, 2012RRID:SCR_027663
SoftwareDAGittyTextor et al., 2017RRID:SCR_024509
Appendix 1—table 1
Unadjusted and adjusted cross-sectional parameter estimates of self-reported total and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), as well as objectively measured physical activity on left hippocampal volume.
ExposureOutcomeUnadjustedAdjusted
n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)
Total PA self-report (MET hr/day)Left hippocampal volume2576
–2		–0.0830.022−0.127, –0.039<0.00001<0.000012576–8–0.026†0.019–0.063, 0.0120.1790.269
MVPA self-report (MET hr/day)Left hippocampal volume2576
–2		–0.0640.022–0.107, 0.0210.0040.0122576–8–0.015†0.019–0.052, 0.0210.4070.487
Sensewear actigraphy derived average METs/dayLeft hippocampal volume227
–1		0.1170.065–0.010, 0.2440.0710.142227–3–0.046 †0.066–0.175, 0.0830.4870.487
  1. *

    Number of subjects – missing data patterns.

  2. †

    Adjusted for linear and quadratic effect of age, tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

Appendix 1—table 2
Unadjusted and adjusted cross-sectional parameter estimates of self-reported total physical activity on brain structure and cognition of adults aged 30–60 years.
ExposureOutcomeUnadjustedAdjusted
n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)
Total PA self-report (MET hr/day)Average hippocampal volume791–2–0.0590.038–0.133, 0.0140.1150.284705–1–0.061†0.038–0.135, 0.0140.1120.284
Total PA self-report (MET hr/day)BrainAGE791–20.0140.036–0.057, 0.0850.7030.754791–40.012‡0.037–0.061, 0.0840.7540.754
Total PA self-report (MET hr/day)Processing speed (time score at TMT-A)790–3–0.0200.042–0.103, 0.0630.6430.754791–6–0.042§0.039–0.119, 0.0350.2820.451
Total PA self-report (MET hr/day)Executive function (time score at TMT-B)789–30.0880.0380.013, 0.1630.0210.168791–70.054§0.037–0.018, 0.1270.1420.284
  1. *

    Number of subjects – missing data patterns.

  2. †

    Adjusted for linear and quadratic effect of age, tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

  3. ‡

    Adjusted for tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

  4. §

    Adjusted for linear effect of age, tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

Appendix 1—table 3
Unadjusted and adjusted cross-sectional parameter estimates of self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on brain structure and cognition in a sample aged 30–60 years.
ExposureOutcomeUnadjustedAdjusted
n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)
MVPA self-report (MET hr/day)Average hippocampal volume791–2–0.0320.037–0.105, 0.0420.3960.671705–1–0.030†0.038–0.105, 0.0440.4290.671
MVPA self-report (MET hr/day)BrainAGE791–20.0020.038–0.072, 0.0750.9680.996791–40.000‡0.038–0.074, 0.0740.9960.996
MVPA self-report (MET hr/day)Processing speed (time score at TMT-A)790–3–0.0270.040–0.105, 0.051 0.5030.671791–6–0.033§0.038–0.106, 0.0410.3860.671
MVPA self-report (MET hr/day)Executive function (time score at TMT-B)789–30.0590.037–0.013, 0.1310.1080.671791–70.044§0.036–0.026, 0.1150.2190.671
  1. *

    Number of subjects – missing data patterns.

  2. †

    Adjusted for linear and quadratic effect of age, tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

  3. ‡

    Adjusted for tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

  4. §

    Adjusted for linear effect of age, tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

Appendix 1—table 4
Unadjusted and adjusted cross-sectional parameter estimates of accelerometer-derived average MET/day on brain structure of adults aged 30–60 years (n=70).
ExposureOutcomeUnadjustedAdjusted
n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)
Sensewear actigraphy-derived average METs/dayAverage hippocampal volume70–10.0640.115–0.162, 0.2910.5760.76870–20.029†0.119–0.204, 0.2610.8080.808
Sensewear actigraphy-derived average METs/dayBrainAGE70–1–0.3240.101−0.523,–0.1250.0010.00270–20.343‡0.102−0.543, –0.1430.0010.002
  1. *

    Number of subjects – missing data patterns.

  2. †

    Adjusted for linear and quadratic effect of age, tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

  3. ‡

    Adjusted for tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

Appendix 1—table 5
Unadjusted and adjusted cross-sectional parameter estimates of self-reported total physical activity on brain structure and cognition of adults aged >60 years.
ExposureOutcomeUnadjustedAdjusted
n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)
Total PA self-report (MET hr/day)Average hippocampal volume1602–2–0.0350.029–0.091, 0.0210.2220.2541602–7–0.027‡0.026–0.079, 0.0250.3050.305
Total PA self-report (MET hr/day)BrainAGE1602–20.0680.0290.011, 0.1240.0190.0501602–70.065†0.0290.008, 0.1210.0250.050
Total PA self-report (MET hr/day)Processing speed (time score at TMT-A)1596–30.0450.030–0.015, 0.1040.1420.2271602–120.038‡0.029–0.020, 0.0950.1980.254
Total PA self-report (MET hr/day)Executive function (time score at TMT-B)1592–30.0840.0330.019, 0.1490.0120.0481602–80.083§0.0330.018, 0.1490.0120.048
  1. *

    Number of subjects – missing data patterns.

  2. †

    Adjusted for tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

  3. ‡

    Adjusted for linear effect of age, tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

  4. §

    Adjusted for tobacco exposure and alcohol consumption.

Appendix 1—table 6
Unadjusted and adjusted cross-sectional parameter estimates of self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on brain structure and cognition of adults aged >60 years.
ExposureOutcomeUnadjustedAdjusted
n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)
MVPA self-report (MET hr/day)Average hippocampal volume1602–2–0.0360.028–0.091, 0.0190.1990.3181602–7–0.024‡0.026–0.075, 0.0280.3660.418
MVPA self-report (MET hr/day)BrainAGE1602–20.0760.0290.019, 0.1330.0090.0521602–70.072†0.0290.015, 0.1300.0130.052
MVPA self-report (MET hr/day)Processing speed (time score at TMT-A)1596–30.0330.032–0.029, 0.0950.2930.3911602–120.024‡0.030–0.035, 0.0830.4200.420
MVPA self-report (MET hr/day)Executive function (time score at TMT-B)1592–30.0720.0330.007, 0.1370.0290.0771602–120.057†0.032–0.006, 0.1190.0760.152
  1. *

    Number of subjects – missing data patterns.

  2. †

    Adjusted for tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

  3. ‡

    Adjusted for linear effect of age, tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

Appendix 1—table 7
Unadjusted and adjusted cross-sectional parameter estimates of accelerometer-derived average MET/day on brain structure of older adults (age >60 years, n=151).
ExposureOutcomeUnadjustedAdjusted
nEstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)nEstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)
Sensewear actigraphy-derived average METs/dayAverage hippocampal volume151–1–0.0390.082–0.200, 0.1230.6380.954137–1–0.052*0.081–0.212, 0.1080.5230.954
Sensewear actigraphy-derived average METs/dayBrainAGE151–10.0050.079–0.149, 0.1580.9540.954151–3–0.006†0.076–0.155, 0.1440.9420.954
  1. *

    Adjusted for linear and quadratic effect of age, tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

  2. †

    Adjusted for tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

Appendix 1—table 8
Unadjusted and adjusted cross-sectional parameter estimates of self-reported total physical activity on brain structure and cognition of men.
ExposureOutcomeUnadjustedAdjusted
n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)
Total PA self-report (MET hr/day)Average hippocampal volume1370–2–0.0990.003−0.158, –0.0400.0010.0041370–7–0.047†0.024–0.094, 0.0000.0490.082
Total PA self-report (MET hr/day)BrainAGE1370–20.0560.029–0.002, 0.1130.0570.0821370–70.054‡0.030–0.003, 0.1120.0650.082
Total PA self-report (MET hr/day)Processing speed (time score at TMT-A)1363–30.0610.034–0.005, 0.1280.0720.0821370–12 0.003§0.029–0.053, 0.0600.9140.914
Total PA self-report (MET hr/day)Executive function (time score at TMT-B)1360–30.1250.0340.059, 0.191<0.00001<0.000011370–120.055§0.029–0.002, 0.1130.0590.082
  1. *

    Number of subjects – missing data patterns.

  2. †

    Adjusted for linear and quadratic effect of age, tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

  3. ‡

    Adjusted for tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

  4. §

    Adjusted for linear effect of age, tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

Appendix 1—table 9
Unadjusted and adjusted cross-sectional parameter estimates of self-reported total physical activity on brain structure and cognition of women.
ExposureOutcomeUnadjustedAdjusted
n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)
Total PA self-report (MET hr/day)Average hippocampal volume1202–2–0.0620.303–0.128, 0.0030.0610.1631202–6–0.005†0.030–0.064, 0.0540.8650.865
Total PA self-report (MET hr/day)BrainAGE1202–20.0270.032–0.036, 0.0900.3950.6041202–60.018‡0.032–0.045, 0.0820.5720.654
Total PA self-report (MET hr/day)Processing speed (time score at TMT-A)1202–30.0920.0340.026, 0.1590.0070.0281202–80.022§0.030 –0.036, 0.0800.4530.604
Total PA self-report (MET hr/day)Executive function (time score at TMT-B)1200–30.1160.0390.039, 0.1930.0030.0241202–90.027§0.036–0.042, 0.0970.4420.604
  1. *

    Number of subjects – missing data patterns.

  2. †

    Adjusted for linear and quadratic effect of age, tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

  3. ‡

    Adjusted for tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

  4. §

    Adjusted for linear effect of age, tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

Appendix 1—table 10
Unadjusted and adjusted cross-sectional parameter estimates of accelerometer-derived average MET/day on brain structure of men.
ExposureOutcomeUnadjustedAdjusted
n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)
Sensewear actigraphy-derived average METs/dayAverage hippocampal volume117–10.1200.080–0.037, 0.2770.1340.536117–2–0.072†0.080–0.228, 0.0850.3680.736
Sensewear actigraphy-derived average METs/dayBrainAGE117–10.0420.097–0.148, 0.2320.6670.760117–20.030‡0.098–0.162, 0.2220.7600.760
  1. *

    Number of subjects – missing data patterns.

  2. †

    Adjusted for linear and quadratic effect of age, tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

  3. ‡

    Adjusted for tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

Appendix 1—table 11
Unadjusted and adjusted cross-sectional parameter estimates of accelerometer-derived average MET/day on brain structure of women.
ExposureOutcomeUnadjustedAdjusted
n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)
Sensewear actigraphy derived average METs/dayAverage hippocampal volume110–10.1710.099–0.022, 0.3650.0830.115110–30.071†0.097–0.119, 0.2620.4620.462
Sensewear actigraphy derived average METs/dayBrainAGE110–1–0.1540.087–0.325, 0.0170.0780.115110–30.148‡0.086–0.316, 0.0210.0860.115
  1. *

    Number of subjects – missing data patterns.

  2. †

    Adjusted for linear and quadratic effect of age, tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

  3. ‡

    Adjusted for tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

Appendix 1—table 12
Unadjusted and adjusted cross-sectional parameter estimates of self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on brain structure and cognition in men.
ExposureOutcomeUnadjustedAdjusted
n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)
MVPA self-report (MET hr/day)Average hippocampal volume1370–2–0.0720.030−0.131,–0.0140.0150.0601370–7–0.033†0.024–0.079, 0.0140.1660.264
MVPA self-report (MET hr/day)BrainAGE1370–20.0620.0290.004, 0.1200.0350.0881370–70.059‡0.0290.002, 0.1170.0440.088
MVPA self-report (MET hr/day)Processing speed (time score at TMT-A)1363–30.0350.034–0.031, 0.1010.2970.3391370–12–0.006§0.028 –0.060, 0.0490.8410.841
MVPA self-report (MET hr/day)Executive function (time score at TMT-B)1360–30.0880.0330.024, 0.1530.0070.0561370–120.036§0.028–0.019, 0.0920.1980.264
  1. *

    Number of subjects – missing data patterns.

  2. †

    Adjusted for linear and quadratic effect of age, tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

  3. ‡

    Adjusted for tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

  4. §

    Adjusted for linear effect of age, tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

Appendix 1—table 13
Unadjusted and adjusted cross-sectional parameter estimates of self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on brain structure and cognition in women.
ExposureOutcomeUnadjustedAdjusted
n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)n*EstimateSE95% CIp (uncor)p (FDR)
MVPA self-report (MET hr/day)Average hippocampal volume1202–2–0.0520.033–0.116, 0.0120.1110.2961202–6–0.005†0.029 –0.063, 0.0520.8570.857
MVPA self-report (MET hr/day)BrainAGE1202–20.0270.033–0.038, 0.0910.2160.4321202–60.019‡0.033–0.045, 0.0830.5590.646
MVPA self-report (MET hr/day)Processing speed (time score at TMT-A)1202–30.0710.037–0.002, 0.1440.0560.2241202–80.019§0.032–0.045, 0.0820.5650.646
MVPA self-report (MET hr/day)Executive function (time score at TMT-B)1200–30.0960.0410.017, 0.1760.0170.1361202–90.031§0.037–0.041, 0.1030.3970.635
  1. *

    Number of subjects – missing data patterns.

  2. †

    Adjusted for linear and quadratic effect of age, tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

  3. ‡

    Adjusted for tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

  4. §

    Adjusted for linear effect of age, tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status.

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https://cdn.elifesciences.org/articles/109461/elife-109461-mdarchecklist1-v1.pdf

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  1. Polona Kalc
  2. Robert Dahnke
  3. Christian Sanders
  4. Frauke Beyer
  5. Andrea Zülke
  6. Steffi Riedel-Heller
  7. A Veronica Witte
  8. Christian Gaser
(2026)
The effect of physical activity on brain structure and cognitive function in the population-based cohort of LIFE-Adult Study
eLife 15:RP109461.
https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.109461.3