CHANGES IN COGNITIVE FUNCTION AFTER EXERCISE INTERVENTION AMONG COMMUNITY DWELLING OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

Background: Low cognitive function is a risk factor for mobility disability and low physical activity. The purpose of the study was to investigate the changes of cognitive function after 12 weeks of resistance training among healthy community dwelling older adults in Iceland. Methods: Subjects (N=236, 73.7 ± 5.7 years, 58.2% female) participated in a 12-week resistance exercise program (3 times/week; 3 sets, 6–8 repetitions at 75–80% of the 1-repetition maximum), designed to increase strength and muscle mass of major muscle groups. Body composition, physical activity status, cardiovascular risk factors, 6 minute walk for distance (6MWD), and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) were measured at baseline and endpoint. Results: The mean MMSE at baseline was 27.5 ± 2.1, and the MMSE score significantly increased (change of score, 0.53) after the exercise intervention. However, at the individual level, half of the study subjects improved their cognitive function while the other half had the same or lower levels of cognitive function after the intervention. According to linear models, post intervention MMSE score was significantly associated with baseline grip strength.

Conclusion: After 12-week resistance training, improvement in cognitive function was significantly associated with baseline grip strength.