Author(s): FU, S., LI, Y., WU, P., YU, C., TSENG, K., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF TAIPEI, Country: TAIWAN, Abstract-ID: 1700

INTRODUCTION:
This study explores the combined effects of resistance training and cognitive stimulation on older adults physical and cognitive performance, addressing the challenges of low participation due to unfamiliarity, fear, and the unclear benefits of integrating these two strategies. Despite their known individual benefits in delaying disabilities and dementia (1), the integration of cognitive exercises into resistance training lacks conclusive evidence. This research seeks to fill that gap by assessing the impact on older adults across varying cognitive abilities.
METHODS:
The study involved thirty older adults residing in the community, who were split into two categories: those with mild cognitive impairment group (MCIG) (n = 16, age = 75.5 ± 5.6) and the partial cognitive decline group (PCDG) (n = 14, age = 72.9 ± 4.6). Both sets of participants engaged in a 12-week program that integrated resistance training with cognitive stimulation activities. Before and after this program, assessments measured body composition, MoCA cognitive functions, short physical performance battery (SPPB), and senior fitness test (SFT).
RESULTS:
Following the intervention, MCIG and PCDG exhibited notable enhancements in muscular strength for both upper limbs (MCIG: 16.38 ± 5.50 vs. 19.94 ± 5.59, p < .05; PCDG: 17.71 ± 3.73 vs. 21.64 ± 3.39, p < .05), and lower limbs (MCIG: 13.75 ± 3.66 vs. 21.81 ± 6.15, p < .05; PCDG: 13.43 ± 2.98 vs. 21.36 ± 5.05, p < .05), dynamic balance (MCIG: 7.56 ± 1.66 vs. 6.17 ± 1.44, p < .05; PCDG: 6.22 ± 1.01 vs. 5.35 ± 0.67, p < .05), and cognitive function (MCIG: 23.06 ± 2.41 vs. 26.00 ± 4.55, p < .05; PCDG: 26.79 ± 0.80 vs. 29.64 ± 0.63, p < .05). Moreover, only MCIG showed significant improvement in SPPB (10.81 ± 1.47 vs. 11.75 ± 0.58, p < .05).
CONCLUSION:
Post-intervention, both groups exhibited significant enhancements in upper and lower limb strength, dynamic balance, and cognitive function, with the MCIG outperforming the PCDG in the SPPB. These outcomes align with prior studies showing that exercise combined with cognitive training can boost cognitive functions in the elderly (2). Specifically, resistance training appears particularly effective for exercise interventions in community-dwelling older adults (3). This evidence supports integrating resistance training and cognitive stimulation in elderly exercise programs, supporting improved results and long-term health benefits.

Reference:
1. Norouzi et al., Phys Sportsmed., 2019
2. Gavelin et al., Ageing Res. Rev., 2021
3. Landrigan et al., Psychol. Res., 2020