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Physical activity is an important key to overall health.
For example, studies have shown that dance can improve memory retention and even 10 minutes of physical activity can help destroy cancer cells.
But what happens after you are physically active?
Studies also found that increased physical activity was often followed by extended rest, which may reduce long-term benefits.
Now, a recent study has found that replacing rest between exercise sessions with additional ecologically relevant physical activities may help improve cognitive decline among Latino adults.
Let’s dig deeper into this study and how it impacts older Latinos and all people.
What is Ecological Momentary Intervention?
Dr. Ulf G. Bronas at the Columbia School of Nursing and his research team developed an Ecological momentary intervention (EMI) intervention to reduce sedentary behavior.
EMI are “treatments that are provided to people during their everyday lives (i.e., in real time) and in natural settings.”
For this specific study of EMI, Spanish-speaking Latino participants were randomly assigned to either a 6-week EMI program designed to replace sitting time with physical activity or physical activity guidelines education.
The EMI intervention used a Fitbit activity monitor, weekly didactic phone meetings, interactive tools (SMS text messages), and coach-delivered feedback.
According to the study, 79% of participants reacted well to the EMI intervention and showed significant improvement in executive function. This highlights the potential of an EMI approach to mitigate cognitive decline in this population.
“Weekly step count increased in the intervention group by 5,543 steps and sedentary time decreased by a mean 348 minutes compared to controls, with moderately strong effect sizes,” according to the study results.
Latinos and Dementia
As of 2024, nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s.
Further, Alzheimer’s is projected to increase in older Latinos by 175% between 2018 and 2040, compared with a 32% increase in the White population, according to Salud America! resource.
Latinos are disproportionately impacted when it comes to dementia.
“Most research related to increased risk of Alzheimer’s among Hispanics/Latinos points to a combination of socioeconomic factors and a higher prevalence of several health conditions,” according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
There are several health and non-medical drivers of health that contribute to this issue.
“Socioeconomic factors such as education, income and occupation deeply affect the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, and usually sustain and worsen health disparities,” said Dr. Maria Mora Pinzon, assistant professor in the division of geriatrics and gerontology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
The Importance of Physical Activity
Improving movement and physical activity can be beneficial for everyone.
In fact, studies have shown that weekly exercise can greatly reduce your risk for at least eight types of cancer, among diseases and health issues.
“Engaging in at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke and improve your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which could lead to heart-related diseases,” according to a Salud America! resource.
Searching for other ways to get active?
Check out the CDC’s campaign to help get people moving!
The CDC launched the Moving Matters campaign to encourage people to be more physically active and have collaborated with Salud America! to spread the word.
Maintaining the health of yourself and loved ones is important.
But what about the health of your community?
Explore Salud America’s Health Equity Report Card and search your county to learn more about health-related issues in your community including housing, education, food, and other socioeconomic factors.
Share your results with local leaders and health organizations in your community to start important conversations and advocate for change!
By The Numbers
142
Percent
Expected rise in Latino cancer cases in coming years