Effects of Combined Resistance and Power Training on Cognitive Function in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Hélio José Coelho-Júnior,Riccardo Calvani,Anna Picca,Priscila Yukari Sewo Sampaio,Marco Carlos Uchida,Ricardo Aurélio Carvalho Sampaio,Eduardo Lusa Cadore,Mikel Izquierdo,Emanuele Marzetti,Ivan De Oliveira Gonçalves

doi:10.3390/ijerph17103435

Abstract

The present study compared the effects of traditional resistance training (TRT) and combined power training (PT) and TRT (PTRT) on cognitive parameters and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in non-demented, well-functioning, community-dwelling older women. Forty-five older women were randomized into one of three experimental groups: TRT, PTRT, and control group (CG). Cognitive tests explored global cognitive function, short-term memory, and dual-task performance. Serum BDNF levels were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. Exercise sessions were performed twice a week over 22 weeks. In TRT, exercise sessions were based on three sets of 8–10 repetitions at “difficult” intensity. In PTRT, the first session was based on PT (three sets of 8−10 repetitions at “moderate” intensity), while the second session was similar to the TRT. Our analyses indicated that overall cognitive function, short-term memory, and dual-task performance were similarly improved after TRT and PTRT. Serum BDNF concentrations were not altered by any training protocol. In conclusion, the two RT programs tested in the present trial improved global cognitive function, short-term memory and dual task performance in non-demented, well-functioning, community-dwelling older women. In addition, our findings suggest that mechanisms other than BDNF may be associated with such improvements.

Highlights

Cognition refers to the mental process responsible for the interaction between the mind and the world [1]
Six had a clinical diagnosis of type II diabetes, four had a previous myocardial infarction, three reported at least one fall event in the previous year, and two declined to participate, infarction, three reported at least one fall event in the previous year, and two declined to participate, leaving 45 participants, who were randomly allocated into traditional resistance training (TRT), PT and TRT (PTRT), and control group (CG)
Over the follow-up leaving 45 participants, who were randomly allocated into TRT, PTRT, and CG

Summary

Introduction

Cognition refers to the mental process responsible for the interaction between the mind and the world [1]. Cognition involves crystallized abilities—the ability to use learned knowledge and experiences—and fluid abilities—the ability to use logic in new situations, solve new problems, and identify patterns [2]. These abilities are differently affected with aging, such that crystallized abilities commonly remain stable from age 60 until age 80, while fluid abilities decline after 60 years [2]. Among the cognitive domains affected by aging, short-term memory and dual-task performance have gained widespread attention owing to their relevance to the individual’s autonomy. Short-term memory — the capacity of holding an amount of information for a short period of time [6]

Methods

Results

Conclusion