The reemergence of primitive reflexes (PRs) in older adults is associated with dementia and cognitive impairment. Recent experimental work suggests gentle sensorimotor exercises may halt or reverse PR's inverse development. These findings question whether physical activity (PA) is negatively related to PRs. This study aimed to test this relationship in 52 older adults aged 66 and over who were volunteers from seven Hungarian nursing homes. They were tested individually using the Senior Test, hand-grip strength, 13 PRs, and PA levels using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Apart from upper and lower body flexibility, all functional fitness indices and PA were negatively related to the number of PRs. A bootstrapped multiple hierarchical linear regression revealed that only PA was a statistically significant predictor (p < 0.001) of the PRs, accounting for 41% of the variance. This study is the first to demonstrate a robust negative relationship between PA and PRs and a weak negative association with hand-grip strength and four elements of functionality in older adults. The implications of the results could be significant for developing interventions to prevent or delay PRs' inverse development, which is associated with adverse mental health in older adults.

Introduction: Although the relationship between functionality, as reflected in physical performance (PHP), and mental health in older adults has been researched, its strength remains unclear. Methods: This field study aimed to determine the strength of this relationship in adults aged 60 and above using seven PHP indices and six psychological measures. We individually tested 114 older adults. Objective measures included six PHP indices consisting of the Senior Test and handgrip strength. Subjective measures included resilience, wellbeing, happiness, perceived stress, hopelessness, and life satisfaction. Results: Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed two latent constructs: PHP and mental wellbeing (MWB): robust fit (MLR): X² (75) = 136.28, p < 0.001; CFI = 0.967; TLI = 0.960; RMSEA = 0.066 (90% CI [0.000, 0.128]); SRMR = 0.088. The latent partial correlation between PHP and MWB (adjusted for Age) was φ = 0.46, indicating ∼21% shared variance. The correlation between the two latent factors was moderate (r = 0.46), suggesting that other unassessed factors might account for the relationship. Discussion: Based on objective PHP and subjective MWB measures, these results suggest a modest connection, with the two latent constructs sharing ∼1/5 of their variances. Consequently, further research is needed to identify other factors affecting the studied relationship in older adults. These cross-sectional findings, suggesting a moderate association, should be interpreted with caution. Still, they support recommending physical activity as one component of broader, multi-domain strategies to support the wellbeing of older adults.

Introduction: Primitive reflexes (PRs) are brainstem-mediated automatic responses that typically disappear in early life, but may reappear in older age, which may be associated with neurodegenerative processes. But the presence of PRs in cognitively healthy adults has not yet been sufficiently explored. The relationship between PRs and cognitive functioning (COG) may be influenced by modifiable factors such as physical activity (PA) and psychological resilience. This cross-sectional observational pilot study aimed to investigate the mediating and moderating role of physical activity and resilience in the association between primitive reflexes and cognitive functioning in older adults. Methods: A total of 30 older adults (mean age 73.4 ± 6.9 years; 80% female) living in residential care facilities were assessed. PRs were evaluated using standardized neurological protocols, COG was measured with the Mini-Mental State Examination, PA with the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, and resilience with the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale. Moderation and mediation models were tested using Hayes’ PROCESS macro, controlling for age and BMI. Results: A higher number of primitive reflexes was strongly associated with lower cognitive functioning [COG (r = −0.904, p < 0.001)]. Physical activity showed a significant mediating effect in this association, indicating that more active older adults exhibited better cognitive performance despite the presence of primitive reflexes. Resilience, although correlated with both cognition and physical activity, did not show a mediating or moderating effect. Discussion: These findings highlight primitive reflexes as potential behavioral biomarkers of cognitive aging, and underscore the importance of physical activity as a protective factor that may buffer against neurocognitive decline.

Introduction – SuperEnduro is a high-risk motorcycle sport with no prior empirical data. This case study analyzed an elite rider during the fifth round of the 2023/2024 SuperEnduro Grand Prix. Methods – Psychological measures included core-, positive-, and negative affect, expected and perceived performance, mental and physical exhaustion, perceived risk of racing addiction, and a post-race interview. Physiological measures encompassed heart rate, caloric expenditure, work intensity, and training loads. Results – Results showed a decline in core affect, with positive affect remaining high and negative affect low after three races. Anxiety decreased progressively, but perceived and objective performance remained low. Elevated physiological measures and subjective perceptions confirmed SuperEnduro’s intensity. The participant self-identified himself as addicted to racing. However, his addiction score was low, suggesting passion or emotional attachment—a blend of pleasure and pain—driving his commitment to race even when injured. Discussion – These findings provide insight into the physical and psychological demands unique to SuperEnduro athletes.