Executive functions, physical fitness and mobility in well-functioning older adults

Between groups comparisons revealed that faster individuals in mobility tests demonstrate better performances in measures of cognitive flexibility (0.68 < g < 0.90). After including covariates from the medical/social domain, significant correlations were established between faster mobility tests and better cognitive flexibility (TUG: r = 0.565; 10MWT: r = 0.324). Between groups comparisons also revealed that faster individuals in mobility tests presented higher physical fitness levels (aerobic: 0.49 < g < 0.77, strength: 0.34 < g < 1.31). Significant correlations were found between better physical fitness and better cognitive flexibility (strength: r = − 0.380; VO2 peak: r = − 0.325) even after including age, education, fat-free mass and gender as covariates. These results suggest that the TUG and the 10MWT could potentially help distinguish individuals with poor neuromuscular, aerobic and cognitive flexibility performances.