The Relationship Among Maximal Aerobic Capacity, Pulmonary Function Tests, and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Middle-Aged Adults

Aim: This study aimed to investigate if maximal aerobic capacity and pulmonary function tests can be a predictor of cognitive function including selective attention and inhibitory response in healthy middle-aged adults. Material and Methods: The study involved 43 people, comprising 31 females and 12 males. The research included evaluations of maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max), pulmonary function tests, and cognitive assessments. VO2max was assessed by the 1-mile Endurance Run/ Walk Test, and pulmonary function evaluations were conducted via a spirometer. Selective attention was measured via the d2 test, whilst inhibitory response was evaluated using a computer-based Go/No-Go test. Results: The TM parameter was not significantly predicted by TM Model 1 (F(4, 38) = 1.324, p = 0.279) or TM Model 2 (F(8, 34) = 1.752, p = 0.122). Similarly, E1 Model 1 did not show statistical significance in predicting the E1 parameter. Analysis of the inhibitory parameters GCR and NGRC also revealed no significant associations, as indicated by GCR Model 1 (F(4, 38) = 0.389, p = 0.815), GCR Model 2 (F(8, 34) = 0.333, p = 0.947), NGRC Model 1 (F(4, 38) = 1.917, p = 0.128), and NGRC Model 2 (F(8, 34) = 2.042, p = 0.071). However, a moderate positive correlation was observed between TM and FEV1 (r = 0.35, p < 0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded from these results that the VO2max test and the outcomes of the pulmonary function tests are not reliable indicators of cognitive abilities in middle-aged, healthy persons. Nonetheless, FEV1 may function as a marker of selective attention. Additional research involving a larger sample size is needed to better understand the relationship between maximal aerobic capacity, pulmonary function tests, and cognitive performance