Resistance training and cognitive and cortical plasticity in older adults

Abstract

In this chapter, we summarize the evidence for resistance training as an effective intervention strategy to combat age-related cognitive decline. Overall, the evidence is equivocal. However, majority of the negative randomized controlled trials had short intervention period, low-intensity or non-progressive protocols, or had small sample sizes. Results from recent randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes with progressive training protocols demonstrate positive effects. It is currently unclear what physiological mechanisms are responsible for changes in cognitive function as a result of resistance training; future animal and human studies are needed. Furthermore, for exercise to be medicine, future work must focus on refining its parameters for precise prescription. Thus, future studies need to consider duration, intensity, and frequency of resistance training. More trials should also include specific populations at risk for dementia (e.g., mild cognitive impairment, chronic stroke survivors, etc.). Finally, inorder to compare future trials, it would be helpful to establish a set of standardized set of cognitive measures and standardized exercise protocols.