Resistance training enhances delayed memory in healthy middle-aged and older adults: A randomised controlled trial

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Title

Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport

ISSN

1878-1861

Volume

22

Issue

11

First Page

1226

Last Page

1231

PubMed ID

31281076

Publisher

Elsevier

School

Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care / School of Medical and Health Sciences

RAS ID

30008

Funders

Department of Exercise Science, Murdoch University

National Health and Medical Research Council

Grant Number

NHMRC Number : GNT1097105

Comments

Marston, K. J., Peiffer, J. J., Rainey-Smith, S. R., Gordon, N., Teo, S. Y., Laws, S. M., ... Brown, B. M. (2019). Resistance training enhances delayed memory in healthy middle-aged and older adults: A randomised controlled trial. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 22, 1226-1231. Available here

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: High-intensity exercise is a potential therapeutic tool to postpone or prevent the onset of cognitive decline. However, there is a lack of sufficient evidence regarding the longitudinal effects of structured resistance training on cognitive function in healthy adults. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of two ecologically valid, intense 12-week resistance training programs on cognitive function in late middle-aged adults.

DESIGN: Single-site parallel randomised controlled trial at the Department of Exercise Science strength and conditioning laboratory. Groups allocated by minimisation randomisation.

METHODS: Forty-five healthy adults (age range=41-69 years) were enrolled and randomised into (A) high-load, long rest resistance training (n=14), or (B) moderate-load, short rest resistance training (n=15) twice per week for 12 weeks, or a non-exercising control (n=16). Follow-up within seven days. Data were collected September 2016-December 2017. Cognitive function assessed using the CogState computerised battery. Assessors were blinded to participant group allocation. Secondary outcomes were maximal muscle strength and body composition.

RESULTS: Forty-four participants were analysed in 2018. Delayed verbal memory performance was improved (p=0.02) in resistance training groups (g=0.67-0.79) when compared to the control group, with no differences between training groups. Likewise, increases in maximal muscle strength were observed (p

CONCLUSIONS: 12 weeks of intense resistance training improves delayed verbal memory irrespective of training design (i.e., high-load vs. moderate-load).

TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered at www.anzctr.org.au ACTRN12616000690459.

DOI

10.1016/j.jsams.2019.06.013

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