Effect of regular resistance training on memory in older adults: A systematic review

Jiawei Wu; Xiaoqian Wang; Mingzhu Ye; Lecong Wang; Guohua Zheng

doi:10.1016/j.exger.2021.111396

Effect of regular resistance training on memory in older adults: A systematic review

Exp Gerontol. 2021 Jul 15:150:111396. doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2021.111396. Epub 2021 May 6.

Authors

Jiawei Wu¹, Xiaoqian Wang¹, Mingzhu Ye¹, Lecong Wang¹, Guohua Zheng²

Affiliations

¹ Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
² Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; College of Nursing and Health Management, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China. Electronic address: zhenggh@sumhs.edu.cn.

PMID: 33964318
DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2021.111396

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of regular resistance training on memory in older adults.

Methods: Eight databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, SinoMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP) and Wanfang) were searched from their inception to March 24, 2021. The data included in the study were analysed according to the Cochrane handbook using Review Manager 5.3 software.

Results: Eighteen eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 1365 older adults were identified that met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review. Compared with no specific exercise or a low intensity exercise control, regular resistance training significantly improved working memory (standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.11, 0.42, P < 0.001), immediate memory (SMD: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.54, P = 0.04), and short-term memory (SMD: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.23,1.14, P = 0.003) but had no significant impact on verbal memory (SMD: 0.15, 95% CI: -0.40, 0.71, P = 0.59) or delayed memory (SMD: 0.01, 95% CI: -0.39, 0.42, P = 0.18).

Conclusions: Regular resistance training has a positive beneficial effect on working memory, immediate memory and short-term memory in older adults. However, due to the limitations of the included studies, these findings should be interpreted cautiously.

Keywords: Memory; Older adults; Resistance training; Systematic review.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review
Systematic Review

MeSH terms

Aged
China
Exercise
Humans
Memory
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Resistance Training*