Zhiji Wang, Li Zhan, Sijun Wu, Shijie Liu, Chicheng Zhou, Dandan Wang, Hong Wang, Lin Wang
Meeting more 24-h movement behavior recommendations was associated with better inhibitory control in older adults. General self-efficacy showed a small but statistically significant indirect association in this relationship, suggesting that it may partly account for the link between guideline adherence and inhibitory control, but cannot fully explain it. From a health promotion perspective, these findings highlight the potential value of integrated strategies that promote 24-h movement behavior guideline adherence and consider self-efficacy-related psychological resources to support cognitive and psychological health in later life.
OBJECTIVE: In the context of population aging, inhibitory control is important for maintaining independent living, behavioral regulation, and healthy aging in later life. Although physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, and general self-efficacy have all been linked to cognitive health, direct evidence remains limited regarding whether older adults' alignment with integrated 24-h movement behavior recommendations relates to inhibitory control and whether psychological resources contribute to this relationship. From a 24-h movement behavior perspective, the present study evaluated the link between the number of recommendations met and Stroop-indexed inhibitory control in older adults and tested the mediating role of general self-efficacy.
METHODS: This cross-sectional survey analyzed data from 210 older adults in four Wuhan communities. Accelerometer recordings were used to capture 24-h movement behaviors, and recommendation status was determined based on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep criteria. Participants completed the validated Chinese version of the General Self-Efficacy Scale, and inhibitory control was measured using an E-Prime-based Stroop task. A structural equation model estimated the direct and indirect pathways, with relevant covariates controlled.
RESULTS: Among the 210 older adults, a greater number of recommendations met corresponded to higher general self-efficacy (β = 0.209, 95% CI [0.067, 0.343]) and better inhibitory control performance (β = 0.240, 95% CI [0.112, 0.369]). General self-efficacy was also positively linked to inhibitory control (β = 0.188, 95% CI [0.059, 0.306]). The pathway operating through general self-efficacy reached statistical significance (β = 0.039, 95% CI [0.009, 0.092]) and represented 14.1% of the total effect.
CONCLUSION: Meeting more 24-h movement behavior recommendations was associated with better inhibitory control in older adults. General self-efficacy showed a small but statistically significant indirect association in this relationship, suggesting that it may partly account for the link between guideline adherence and inhibitory control, but cannot fully explain it. From a health promotion perspective, these findings highlight the potential value of integrated strategies that promote 24-h movement behavior guideline adherence and consider self-efficacy-related psychological resources to support cognitive and psychological health in later life.