The Relationship of Cognitive Functions with Physical Fitness Parameters, Balance, and Fall Risk in Older Adults

Objectives: This study examines the effects of cognitive parameters on physical fitness, balance, and fall risk. Materials and Methods: The study included 79 older adults. Cognitive functions of older adults were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA) and Clock Drawing Test (CDT). The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) was used to assess balance and fall risk, and the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) was used to assess physical fitness parameters (PFP). According to MoCA, individuals were included in the Mild Cognitive Impairment (n=38) and Normal Cognitive Level (n=41) groups. Results: The mean age of individuals in the Mild Cognitive Impairment group was 71.50 ± 4.41, while the mean age of individuals in the Normal Cognitive Level group was 70.48 ± 4.57. In our study, individuals with mild cognitive impairment were found to have worse balance scores and physical fitness parameter scores, except for lower and upper extremity flexibility and aerobic endurance. While a significant relationship was noted between MoCA and balance as well as fall risk, no relationship was found between CDT and the balance score. Furthermore, no association between the CDT and any physical fitness parameter was found, despite a good correlation between the MoCA and several physical fitness parameters. Conclusion: In conclusion, it was shown that global cognition in geriatric individuals is related to balance and PFP, such as agility, upper and lower extremity strength.