The impact of physical activity and sex differences on intraindividual variability in inhibitory performance in older adults. Issue 1 (2nd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fagot, Delphine; Chicherio, Christian; Albinet, Cédric T.; André, Nathalie; Audiffren, Michel
• Is Part Of: Aging, neuropsychology, and cognition. Volume 26:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 23
• Publication Date: 2019-01-02
• Subjects: Intraindividual variability -- physical activity -- sex differences -- aging -- inhibition; Aging -- Periodicals; Cognition in old age -- Periodicals; Cognition disorders in old age -- Periodicals; Neuropsychology -- Periodicals; Aging -- periodicals; Neuropsychology -- periodicals; Cognition -- periodicals; Mental Disorders -- periodicals; Gerontology -- periodicals; Mental Health -- periodicals; 155.67
• DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2017.1372357
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1382-5585

Abstract

ABSTRACT: It is well-known that processing speed and executive functions decline with advancing age. However, physical activity (PA) has a positive impact on cognitive performances in aging, specifically for inhibition. Less is known concerning intraindividual variability (iiV) in reaction times. This study aims to investigate the influence of PA and sex differences on iiV in inhibitory performance during aging. Healthy adults were divided into active and sedentary groups according to PA level. To analyse iiV in reaction times, individual mean, standard deviation and the ex-Gaussian parameters were considered. An interaction between activity level and sex was revealed, sedentary females being slower and more variable than sedentary men. No sex differences were found in the active groups. These results indicate that the negative impact of sedentariness on cognitive performance in older age is stronger for females. The present findings underline the need to consider sex differences in active aging approaches.