Associations of reallocating time spent in sedentary behaviours with physical activity on perceived cognitive function in cancer survivors

Sarah O’Rourke, Allyson Tabaczynski, Golnaz Ghazinour, Natalie Cuda, Linda Trinh 

Cancer survivors primarily spend time in sedentary behaviour (SED) which contributes to cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). Reallocating SED to light- physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) may alleviate CRCI. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of reallocating 30 min/day of SED to LPA or MVPA on perceived cognitive function in cancer survivors. This is a secondary analysis of a global, online survey among cancer survivors. The Domain-specific Sitting Time Questionnaire and Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire evaluated SED and PA. Cognitive function was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function (FACT-Cog) scale, comprised of perceived cognitive abilities [PCA], perceived cognitive impairment [PCI], impact on quality of life [IQOL], and comments from others [CO]. Isotemporal substitution analyses estimated associations of reallocating time spent in SED to LPA and MVPA on FACT-Cog scores. Cancer survivors (N=393, M_age= 48.4±0.8) were primarily post-treatment (61.6%), breast cancer survivors (26.8%). Reallocating 30 min/day of SED to LPA was significantly associated with lower scores on PCI (B = -2.72, SE = 1.10, p = 0.01), CO (B = -0.40, SE = 0.19, p = 0.03), and total FACT-Cog (B = -4.65, SE = 1.85, p = 0.01). Reallocating 30min/day of SED to MVPA was significantly associated with higher scores on CO (B = 0.29, SE = 0.14, p = 0.04). Reallocating SED to MVPA, but not LPA, is associated with improvements in select domains of perceived cognitive function. Interventions should consider substituting SED with MVPA for better cognitive health.