The Impact of Resistance Exercise on the Cognitive Function of the Elderly

TLDR

The study aimed to evaluate how 24 weeks of moderate or high‑intensity resistance training affects cognitive function in older adults. Sixty‑two seniors were randomized into a control group and two exercise groups (moderate and high intensity), and their physical, hemodynamic, cognitive, and mood measures were evaluated before and after the training program. Both moderate‑ and high‑intensity training improved strength, lean mass, and multiple cognitive and mood outcomes, with no significant difference between intensities, and both groups showed increased IGF‑1 levels.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of 24 wk of resistance training at two different intensities on cognitive functions in the elderly. Methods: Sixty-two elderly individuals were randomly assigned to three groups: CONTROL (N = 23), experimental moderate (EMODERATE; N = 19), and experimental high (EHIGH; N = 20). The volunteers were assessed on physical, hemodynamic, cognitive, and mood parameters before and after the program. Results: On the 1 RM test (P < 0.001), the two experimental groups performed better than the CONTROL group, but they did not show differences between themselves. The EHIGH group gained more lean mass (P = 0.05) than the CONTROL group and performed better on the following tests: digit span forward (P < 0.001), Corsi's block-tapping task backward (P = 0.001), similarities (P = 0.03), Rey-Osterrieth complex figure immediate recall (P = 0.02), Toulouse-Pieron concentration test errors (P = 0.01), SF-36 (general health) (P = 0.04), POMS (tension-anxiety, P = 0.04; depression-dejection, P = 0.03; and total mood disorder, P = 0.03). The EMODERATE group scored higher means than the CONTROL group on digit span forward (P < 0.001), Corsi's block-tapping task backward (P = 0.01), similarities (P = 0.02), Rey-Osterrieth complex figure immediate recall (P = 0.02), SF-36 (general health, P = 0.005; vitality, P = 0.006), POMS (tension-anxiety, P = 0.001; depression-dejection, P = 0.006; anger-hostility, P = 0.006; fatigue-inertia, P = 0.02; confusion-bewilderment, P = 0.02; and total mood disorder, P = 0.001). We also found that IGF-1 serum levels were higher in the experimental groups (EMODERATE, P = 0.02; EHIGH, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Moderate- and high-intensity resistance exercise programs had equally beneficial effects on cognitive functioning.