Enhancing cognitive functioning in the elderly: multicomponent vs resistance training

Abstract

Purpose

The primary purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two different exercise training programs on executive cognitive functions and functional mobility in older adults. A secondary purpose was to explore the potential mediators of training effects on executive function and functional mobility with particular reference to physical fitness gains.

Methods

A sample of 42 healthy community dwelling adults aged 65 to 75 years participated twice weekly for 3 months in either: (1) multicomponent training, prioritizing neuromuscular coordination, balance, agility, and cognitive executive control; or (2) progressive resistance training for strength conditioning. Participants were tested at baseline (T₁), following a 4-week control period (T₂), and finally at postintervention (T₃) for executive function (inhibition and cognitive flexibility) and functional mobility (maximal walking speed with and without additional task requirements). Cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness were also assessed as potential mediators.

Results

Indices of inhibition, the functions involved in the deliberate withholding of prepotent or automatic responses, and measures of functional mobility improved after the intervention, independent of training type. Mediation analysis suggested that different mechanisms underlie the effects of multicomponent and progressive resistance training. While multicomponent training seemed to directly affect inhibitory capacity, resistance training seemed to affect it indirectly through gains in muscular strength. Physical fitness and executive function variables did not mediate functional mobility changes.

Conclusion

These results confirm that physical training benefits executive function and suggest that different training types might lead to such benefits through different pathways. Both types of training also promoted functional mobility in older adulthood; however, neither inhibitory capacity, nor muscular strength gains seemed to explain functional mobility outcomes.

Keywords:

• executive function
• functional mobility
• physical training
• physical fitness
• aging

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by funding received from the Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology. The authors wish to thank Dr Maria Scatigna for her support and advice for statistical analysis. There are no professional relationships with companies or manufacturers who will benefit from the results of the present study.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.