Physical activity and cognitive function: A comparison of rural and urban breast cancer survivors

Lindsey l. Page, Christina J Kahn, Joan Severson, Arthur F Kramer, Edward Mcauley, Diane K Ehlers

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose Increasing evidence suggests rural breast cancer survivors (BCS) may experience greater burden in symptoms known to be associated with cancer-associated cognitive decline (CACD). Yet, little is known about CACD in rural BCS. This study (1) examined differences in cognitive function, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and other CACD correlates and (2) tested the effects of MVPA on cognitive function in rural versus urban BCS. Methods Rural and urban BCS (N = 80), matched on age, education, and time since diagnosis from a larger study, completed cognitive tasks assessing processing speed (Trails-B, Mazes, Task-Switch) and working memory (spatial working memory) and questionnaires assessing subjective memory impairment (SMI), MVPA, and CACD correlates (i.e., sleep quality, fatigue, anxiety/depression). Some participants (n = 62) wore an accelerometer to objectively estimate MVPA. Multiple linear regression and multivariate analysis of covariance were used to test study aims. Results Rural BCS (n = 40, M = 61.1±8.4 years-old) performed significantly slower on Trails-B (p<0.01) compared with urban BCS (n = 40, M = 61.0±8.2 years-old) and engaged in less objectively-estimated daily MVPA (mean difference = 13.83±4.73 minutes; p = 0.01). No significant differences in SMI, self-reported MVPA, or CACD correlates were observed (all p>0.28). Regression models did not reveal a significant interaction between MVPA and cognitive performance (all p>0.1); however, estimated marginal means models indicated that the effect of MVPA on processing speed was evident only among rural BCS (Trails-B, p = 0.04; Mazes, p = 0.03). Conclusions Findings suggest rural BCS may suffer greater CACD and engage in less MVPA. Additional research is warranted to further examine CACD and more effectively promote MVPA in rural BCS.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere0284189
JournalPloS one
Volume18
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2023

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Physical activity and cognitive function: A comparison of rural and urban breast cancer survivors'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this