ot: PDF link: Preserving cognition via strenuous exercise in elderly women: Resistance training and executive functions: a 12-month randomized controlled trial

[Guest guest]

This is the study I had intended to include in yesterday's post. ~

.. *Resistance training and executive functions: a 12-month randomized

controlled trial*

Liu-Ambrose T, Nagamatsu LS, Graf P, Beattie BL, Ashe MC, Handy TC.

Arch Intern Med. 2010 Jan 25;170(2):170-8.

{full-text article is pricey}

http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/170/2/170

BACKGROUND: Cognitive decline among seniors is a pressing health care

issue. Specific exercise training may combat cognitive decline. We

compared the effect of once-weekly and twice-weekly resistance training

with that of twice-weekly balance and tone exercise training on the

performance of executive cognitive functions in senior women. METHODS:

In this single-blinded randomized trial, 155 community-dwelling women

aged 65 to 75 years living in Vancouver were randomly allocated to

once-weekly (n = 54) or twice-weekly (n = 52) resistance training or

twice-weekly balance and tone training (control group) (n = 49). The

primary outcome measure was performance on the Stroop test, an executive

cognitive test of selective attention and conflict resolution. Secondary

outcomes of executive cognitive functions included set shifting as

measured by the Trail Making Tests (parts A and and working memory as

assessed by verbal digit span forward and backward tests. Gait speed,

muscular function, and whole-brain volume were also secondary outcome

measures. RESULTS: Both resistance training groups significantly

improved their performance on the Stroop test compared with those in the

balance and tone group (P < or = .03). Task performance improved by

12.6% and 10.9% in the once-weekly and twice-weekly resistance training

groups, respectively; it deteriorated by 0.5% in the balance and tone

group. Enhanced selective attention and conflict resolution was

significantly associated with increased gait speed. Both resistance

training groups demonstrated reductions in whole-brain volume compared

with the balance and tone group at the end of the study (P < or = .03).

CONCLUSION: Twelve months of once-weekly or twice-weekly resistance

training benefited the executive cognitive function of selective

attention and conflict resolution among senior women. TRIAL

REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00426881.

excerpts from the study:

*Resistance Training*

The resistance training program used a progressive, highintensity

protocol. The air-pressured digital resistance leg press

machine and free weights were used to provide the training

stimulus. The leg press machine--based exercises consisted of

biceps curls, triceps extension, seated rowing, latissimus dorsi

pull-down exercises, leg presses, hamstring curls, and calf raises.

The intensity of the training stimulus was at a work range of 6

to 8 repetitions (2 sets). The training stimulus was subsequently

increased using the 7-RM method, when 2 sets of 6 to

8 repetitions were completed with proper form and without discomfort.

Other key strength exercises included minisquats, minilunges,

and lunge walks. The number of sets completed and

the load lifted for each exercise were recorded for each participant

at every class.

*Balance and Tone*

The balance and tone program consisted of stretching exercises,

range-of-motion exercises, basic core-strength exercises

including kegels (ie, exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor

muscles), balance exercises, and relaxation techniques. Key balance

exercises included tai chi--based forms (ie, the crane and

the tree pose), tandem stand, tandem walking, and single leg

stance (eyes opened and closed). Other than body weight, no

additional loading (eg, hand weights or resistance bands) was

applied to any of the exercises. There is no evidence that these

exercises improve cognitive function.4 This group served to control

for confounding variables such as physical training received

by traveling to the training centers, social interaction,

and changes in lifestyle secondary to study participation.

ps: This post may be forwarded hither & yon.

..