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Resistance training enhances delayed memory in healthy middle-aged and older adults: A randomised controlled trial
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

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

K.J. Marston, J.J. Peiffer, S.R. Rainey-Smith, N. Gordon, S.Y. Teo, S.M. Laws, H.R. Sohrabi, R.N. Martins and B.M. Brown
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, Vol.22(11), pp.1226-1231
2019
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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 7 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 < 0.01) in resistance training groups when compared to the control group, with no differences between training groups. No differences in body composition were observed. There were no adverse events or side-effects of the intervention. Conclusions 12 weeks of intense resistance training improves delayed verbal memory irrespective of training design (i.e., high-load vs. moderate-load).

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Citation topics
1 Clinical & Life Sciences
1.5 Neuroscience
1.5.767 Hippocampal Neurogenesis
Web Of Science research areas
Sport Sciences
ESI research areas
Clinical Medicine
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