Leisure-time physical activity mitigated the cognitive effect of PM and PM components exposure: Evidence from a nationwide longitudinal study.

Environ Int

Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Institute for Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China. Electronic address:

Published: September 2023

Background: Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM) impairs cognition, while physical activity (PA) improves cognitive function. However, whether taking PA with PM exposure is still beneficial to cognition remains unknown.

Methods: We utilized national representative longitudinal data from the China Family Panel Study (CFPS), comprising a total sample of 108,099 from 2010 to 2018 in three waves. Cognitive performance and leisure-time PA were measured using the standard cognitive module and Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire. Gridded overall PM and major chemical components of PM were estimated using a two-stage machine learning model and matched to each participant based on their residential location. Mixed-effect models and difference-in-difference models were employed to investigate the individual and joint effects of total PM, PM components, and leisure-time PA on cognition.

Results: Every 1 μg/m increase in PM was associated with a -0.035 (95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.052, -0.018) point change in cognitive score. All PM components exhibited negative associations with cognitive change, with black carbon (BC) contributing the most significant cognitive decline (β = -1.025, 95% CI = -1.367, -0.683). Every one-time (or one-hour) increase in leisure-time PA frequency (or PA time) per week was associated with an increase in cognitive score by 0.576 (0.270) points (PA frequency: 95% CI = 0.544, 0.608, PA time: 95% CI = 0.248, 0.293). PA frequency (β = -0.005, 95% CI = -0.006, -0.003) and PA time (β = -0.002, 95% CI = -0.003, -0.001) exhibited interactive effects with PM. Increased PA frequency and time were more beneficial to cognitive function in the low PM exposure group compared to those exposed to high PM levels. Moreover, relative to lower PM exposure, the cognitive benefits of physically active individuals with higher PM exposure were attenuated but still improved cognition when compared to those with no PA.

Conclusion: Engaging in leisure-time PA provides cognitive benefits even under PM exposure, although PM exposure attenuates these benefits. Among all PM components, BC demonstrated the most significant cognitive hazard and interaction with leisure-time PA. Promoting PA as a preventive measure may offer a cost-effective and convenient strategy to mitigate the negative impact of PM exposure on cognition. There is no excuse to avoid PA under PM exposure, as its cognitive benefits persist even in polluted environments.

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2023.108143DOI Listing

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