Cognitive health benefits of strengthening exercise for community-dwelling older adults

J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2010 Nov;32(9):996-1001. doi: 10.1080/13803391003662702. Epub 2010 Apr 20.

Abstract

While aerobic exercise has been linked to improved performance on cognitive tasks of executive functioning among older adults, not all older adults can avail themselves of such exercise due to physical limitations. In this study, community-dwelling older adults were evaluated on tasks of executive functioning before and after a month-long strengthening, nonaerobic exercise program. A total of 16 participants who engaged in such exercise showed significantly improved scores on Digits Backward and Stroop C tasks when compared to 16 participants who were on an exercise waiting list. Positive benefits of strengthening exercise on cognition are supported. Additional research is needed to clarify the generalizability of these findings.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged / psychology*
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cognition / physiology*
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Strength / physiology*
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Physical Fitness / physiology*
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology
  • Resistance Training
  • Stroop Test