Previous research has shown that aerobic exercise, such as walking or swimming, enhances cognitive function. Since people with mobility limitations may be unable to pursue aerobic exercise, a team of researchers in Canada decided to see if resistance training had a similar effect.
For a controlled trial, 155 women 65-75 years old were randomly assigned to participate in resistance training once (54 women) or twice (52 women) a week, or join a control group engaging in flexibility and relaxation exercises (49 women).
After one year, women in both resistance training groups significantly improved their scores on tests of selective attention (maintaining mental focus) and conflict resolution. The program improved muscular function in the women.
“We were able to demonstrate that simple training with weights that seniors can easily handle improved ability to make accurate decisions quickly,” said lead author Teresa Liu-Ambrose, PhD. “Additionally, we found that the exercises led to increased walking speed, a predictor of considerable reduction in mortality.” (Archives of Internal Medicine, 170[2]:170-178, January 25, 2010)
Source: ICAA Research Review, February 2010
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment