Association of physical activity and rest-activity rhythm with sustained attention and melatonin among community-dwelling older adults.

Lee P; Chen, YL; Yang, YC; Kubo T; Cheng, WJ · 2026 · PubMed Central

DOI: 10.1186/s11556-026-00413-1

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Summary

This study investigates the relationships between physical activity patterns, rest-activity rhythms, melatonin secretion, and sustained attention in community-dwelling older adults. While the health benefits of exercise are well-established, limited research has examined how specific activity patterns and circadian rhythms influence biological markers and cognitive performance in aging populations. The authors hypothesized that increased physical activity is linked to more robust rest-activity rhythms, which in turn associate with higher melatonin secretion and enhanced sustained attention. The researchers recruited 147 adults aged 60 years and older, excluding those with serious neurological, psychiatric, or sleep disorders. Participants wore wrist accelerometers for 14 consecutive days to record physical activity and rest-activity rhythms. Data derived from accelerometry included daytime activity amounts (most active 10 hours), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity distribution (Gini index and intensity gradient), and rhythm parameters such as interdaily stability, relative amplitude, and 24-hour autocorrelation. Salivary melatonin was collected at home to determine dim-light melatonin onset and peak levels. Sustained attention was assessed using a smartphone-based psychomotor vigilance task. Statistical analyses employed multiple linear regression models adjusted for demographics, health behaviors, and sleep parameters, with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Results indicated that greater daytime physical activity and a higher proportion of high-intensity activity were associated with more robust rest-activity rhythms, evidenced by higher interdaily stability, relative amplitude, and 24-hour autocorrelation. Specifically, higher interdaily stability was significantly associated with greater peak melatonin levels (β = 39.38; 95% CI = 6.02 to 72.73). Regarding cognitive performance, higher relative amplitude was significantly associated with fewer lapses in the psychomotor vigilance task (β = -32.61; 95% CI = -55.60 to -9.62), a finding that remained significant after Bonferroni adjustment. No significant associations were found between physical activity or rhythm indicators and dim-light melatonin onset. The findings suggest that physical activity strengthens rest-activity rhythms, which are linked to better biological and cognitive outcomes in older adults. Specifically, robust rhythms correlate with higher melatonin peaks and improved sustained attention, as indicated by fewer attentional lapses. The study highlights the importance of considering both the amount and distribution of physical activity, particularly high-intensity bouts, in maintaining circadian health. These results support the development of targeted interventions that leverage physical activity to stabilize circadian rhythms and potentially mitigate cognitive decline in aging populations.

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• circadian factors