Resistance Training May Promote Cognitive Skills

Resistance Training May Promote Cognitive Skills
In that previous studies have shown that cognitive decline among seniors may be countered by specific exercise training regimens, Teresa Liu-Ambrose, from University of British Columbia (Canada), and colleagues assessed a group of 155 community-dwelling women, ages 65 to 75 years, randomly assigning each to engage in once-weekly or twice-weekly resistance training, or twice-weekly balance and tone training (control group).
Improvements to cognitive function were measured via the subjects’ performance on the Stroop test, an executive cognitive test of selective attention and conflict resolution, as well as other tests of executive cognitive function; gait speed, muscular function, and whole-brain volume were also secondary outcome measures.
The team found that both resistance training groups significantly improved their performance on the Stroop test compared with those in the balance and tone group. While task performance improved by 12.6% in the once-weekly resistance training group and by 10.9% in the twice-weekly resistance group, it deteriorated by 0.5% in the balance and tone group. Additionally, both resistance training groups demonstrated reductions in whole-brain volume compared with the balance and tone group at the end of the study.
The researchers conclude that: “Twelve months of once-weekly or twice-weekly resistance training benefited the executive cognitive function of selective attention and conflict resolution among senior women.”
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(Source: a4m.com – Teresa Liu-Ambrose; Lindsay S. Nagamatsu; Peter Graf; B. Lynn Beattie; Maureen C. Ashe; Todd C. Handy. “Resistance Training and Executive Functions: A 12-Month Randomized Controlled Trial.” Arch Intern Med. 2010;170(2):170-178.)
David says: This isn’t the only study to show an improvement in cognitive function with exercise and specifically resistance-training exercise. What I personally smiled about was the RT group simply did better across the board when compared to a “balance and tone” group. Hey look, anything is better than nothing for movement — sure. Do what you can do. But if you can move — and 99.9% of you reading this can — don’t be a sissy and just work on balance and tone. Lift some dang weights! In doing so you will “balance and tone” AND improve your cognitive skills!