A new study has found that certain brain patterns and environmental factors can help predict which older adults will successfully increase their physical activity after being diagnosed with heart disease.
The research was led by Nagashree Thovinakere and her team and was published in the journal PNAS Nexus.
The study looked at 295 older adults from the UK Biobank who were mentally healthy but not physically active. All of them received a cardiovascular diagnosis at some point during a four-year period. The researchers wanted to understand who among them would go on to start exercising more regularly and why.
Using information from self-reports and wearable activity trackers (called accelerometers), the team tracked how much physical activity each person did after their diagnosis.
They then used machine learning—a type of computer analysis that looks for patterns—to see which personal characteristics best predicted whether someone would stick with a more active lifestyle.
They found that the most accurate predictions came from a combination of brain scans, lifestyle habits, and environmental information. In other words, it wasn’t just one thing, like willpower, that made the difference. A mix of mental, social, and environmental factors all played a role.
Some of the most important predictors were having access to green spaces like parks, strong social support from friends and family, and good executive function—this refers to the brain’s ability to plan, focus, and control behavior.
Brain scans showed that people who were more likely to become active had stronger connections between brain areas involved in self-control and decision-making.
Those who increased their physical activity not only improved their heart health but also showed better thinking skills, especially in areas like memory and planning.
This study shows that when it comes to sticking with a heart-healthy exercise routine, motivation alone isn’t enough. The environment around a person and the way their brain is wired also matter a lot. Policies that increase access to parks, walking paths, and social programs can make a real difference in helping people stay active after a heart diagnosis.
The research also offers a tool for doctors: by understanding a person’s “brain-behavior fingerprint,” health professionals might one day predict who needs extra support to stay active—and tailor care plans accordingly.
In short, getting active after a heart diagnosis is not just about making a personal choice. It’s influenced by the brain, the environment, and the support systems in a person’s life. Helping people succeed in making lifestyle changes requires a broader approach that looks beyond the individual to their surroundings and support networks.
If you care about health, please read studies about the benefits of low-dose lithium supplements, and what we know about egg intake and heart disease.
For more health information, please see recent studies about potatoes and high blood pressure, and results showing 6 best breads for people with heart disease.
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