Enhancing cognitive functioning in the elderly: multicomponent vs resistance training

BackgroundExecutive functions underlie self-regulation and are thus important for physical activity and adaptation to new situations. The aim was to investigate, if yearlong physical and cognitive training (PTCT) had greater effects on physical activity among older adults than physical training (PT) alone, and if executive functions predicted physical activity at baseline, after six (6m) and twelve months (12m) of the interventions, one-year post-intervention follow-up and an extended follow-up during COVID-19 lockdown.MethodsData from a single-blinded, parallel-group randomized controlled trial (PASSWORD-study, ISRCTN52388040) were utilized. Participants were 70–85 years old community-dwelling men and women from Jyväskylä, Finland. PT (n = 159) included supervised resistance, walking and balance training, home-exercises and self-administered moderate activity. PTCT (n = 155) included PT and cognitive training targeting executive functions on a computer program. Physical activity was assessed with a one-item, seven-scale question. Executive functions were assessed with color-word Stroop, Trail Making Test (TMT) B-A and Letter Fluency. Changes in physical activity were modeled with multinomial logistic models and the impact of executive functions on physical activity with latent change score models.ResultsNo significant group-by-time interaction was observed for physical activity (p>0.1). The subjects were likely to select an activity category higher than baseline throughout the study (pooled data: B = 0.720–1.614, p<0.001–0.046). Higher baseline Stroop predicted higher physical activity through all subsequent time-points (pooled data: B = 0.011–0.013, p = 0.015–0.030). Higher baseline TMT B–A predicted higher physical activity at 6m (pooled data: B = 0.007, p = 0.006) and during COVID-19 (B = 0.005, p = 0.030). In the PT group, higher baseline Letter Fluency predicted higher physical activity at 12m (B = -0.028, p = 0.030) and follow-up (B = -0.042, p = 0.002).ConclusionsCognitive training did not have additive effects over physical training alone on physical activity, but multicomponent training and higher executive function at baseline may support adaptation to and maintenance of a physically active lifestyle among older adults.

Whole-body vibration (WBV), has become increasingly popular as a form of exercise training. WBV involves the application of a vibratory stimulus to the entire body as opposed to local stimulation of specific muscle groups. The purpose of this review was to assess the evidence concerning the effectiveness of WBV training studies on bone density, muscle performance, balance, and functional mobility in older adults and to discuss potential precautions, safety concerns, and practical clinical considerations of WBV. A literature search of online databases was conducted and methodological quality assessment was performed using the critical appraisal scales developed by Sackett and Jadad on the WBV articles that met the predetermined inclusion criteria. The initial search resulted in the retrieval of 196 potential articles. One additional article was found by manual search. After review, 13 studies were identified that met the predetermined selection criteria. Much of the WBV research to date is methodologically weak and should be interpreted with caution. Study protocols have used widely variable WBV parameters which also complicates the studies' interpretation. Some but not all of the studies in this review reported similar improvements in muscle performance, balance, and functional mobility with WBV as compared to traditional exercise programs. Bone studies consistently showed that WBV improved bone density in the hip and tibia but not in the lumbar spine. Additional studies are needed to determine safe and effective parameters for WBV training in older adults.

Catechol-O-Methyltranferase (COMT) plays a crucial role in the removal of cortical dopamine and is strongly implicated in human executive function. Numerous studies have reported associations of the COMT Val158Met (rs4680) polymorphism with executive function in healthy subjects. However, little work has investigated this in the Thai population and the relationship of age and education with this association remains unclear. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the association of this polymorphism of the COMT gene with executive cognitive brain function in healthy subjects and the relationship with age and education. The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) was performed to assess executive function in 254 healthy Thai subjects (aged 20-72 years). The results showed a significant association of rs4680 with executive function, in which Val/Met heterozygotes demonstrated better cognitive set shifting performance. Moreover, Met allele carriers showed a significantly stronger effect in the categories completed score than did Val homozygotes. Furthermore, age and education also showed a significant association with COMT genotype and WCST. These results revealed that executive cognitive function is associated with COMT genotype and influenced by age and/or education level in a Thai sample.

Physical exercises, especially multicomponent training, can improve cognitive functions and physical impairments in older adults. The aim this study was to purpose of this two-arm clinical trial was to investigate the effects of the addition of a dual task to multicomponent training on physical performances of community-dwelling older adults who practice physical exercise. Seventy-one older adults were divided into a control group (CG) and intervention group (IG). Participants of the CG performed isolated multicomponent training, participants of the IG performed multicomponent training associated with cognitive tasks and both protocols lasted 12 weeks. The assessment consisted of flexibility, handgrip strength, lower limb strength, balance, functional mobility and aerobic capacity. The CG presented greater flexibility than the IG, regardless of time. There was a worse performance in lower limb strength, regardless of group. The addition of a dual task to the multicomponent training was not able to improve physical performances of older adults. Further studies are needed to confirm whether the dual task training contributes to both cognitive and physical benefits in older adults who practice physical exercise.

To primarily ascertain the effect of the Otago Exercise Program (OEP) on physiological falls risk, functional mobility, and executive functioning after 6 months in older adults with a recent history of falls and to ascertain the effect of the OEP on falls during a 1-year follow-up period. Randomized controlled trial. Dedicated falls clinics. Seventy-four adults aged 70 and older who presented to a healthcare professional after a fall. The OEP, a home-based program that consists of resistance training and balance training exercises. Physiological falls risk was assessed using the Physiological Profile Assessment. Functional mobility was assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test. Three central executive functions were assessed: set shifting, using the Trail Making Test Part B; updating, using the verbal digits backward test; and response inhibition, using the Stroop Color-Word Test. Falls were prospectively monitored using daily calendars. At 6 months, there was no significant between-group difference in physiological falls risk or functional mobility (P>or= .33). There was a significant between-group difference in response inhibition (P=.05). A falls histogram revealed two outliers. With these cases removed, using negative binomial regression, the unadjusted incidence rate ratio of falls in the OEP group compared with the control group was 0.56. The adjusted incidence rate ratio was 0.47. The OEP may reduce falls by improving cognitive performance.

Objective: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of backward walking training (BWT) in improving balance and mobility in older adults.Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library CENTRAL databases for articles published between January 2010 and July 2025.Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving adults aged 60 years who underwent BWT were included.The primary outcome was balance ability assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS).Exclusion criteria were non-English language articles, inaccessible full texts, and non-RCT designs.Two independent reviewers screened the articles and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane tool.Meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4 with a random-effects model.Heterogeneity was assessed using 2 and I statistics.Results: Five RCTs with 208 participants were included.Three studies reported BBS-based outcomes, showing a significant overall mean difference of 4.75 points (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.48-8.02;Z = 2.85, p = 0.004).Individual effects included improvements ranging from approximately 1.7 to 7.0 points.However, heterogeneity was high (I = 97%), and the pooled estimate should be interpreted cautiously.Conclusions: BWT significantly improved balance and may be considered a useful intervention to enhance balance and functional mobility in older adults.

Introduction; The musculoskeletal system, which greatly affects the balance of the elderly body and can cause mobility disorders, is one of the declines experienced by the elderly. Physical exercise in the form of muscle strengthening and balance exercises is an effective way for the elderly to improve their functional abilities. Purpose; This study is to determine how providing Balance and Strength Tele-Exercie (BAST) affects changes in lower extremity muscle strength and functional mobility in the elderly. Method; This is an experimental study with a one-group pretest-posttest design method. A total of 15 people aged 60-75 were analyzed using a purposive sampling technique. The 30s Chairs Stand Test, Functional Reach Test, and Time Up and Test were used to retrieve research data. Result; A significant value was obtained based on the bivariate analysis results. The muscle strength variable has a sign value of 0.005, the dynamic balance variable has a sign value of 0.003, and the functional mobility variable has a value of 0.001. Conclusion: This BAST program improves leg muscle strength and functional mobility in the elderly

BackgroundResearch investigating executive functions in opioid-dependent patients undergoing opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) is scarce. This study aimed to assess executive function in patients with opioid use disorder at treatment initiation and one-year follow-up, exploring its correlation with psychiatric comorbidity within the patient group. Additionally, associations between executive functions and factors such as age at substance use initiation, duration of substance use, and current substance use were explored.MethodsForty-nine adults (mean age: 40.6 [11.4]) with opioid use disorder initiating OMT participated in a naturalistic study with a one-year follow up. Participants underwent subtests of the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) and self-assessed their cognitive function using the BRIEF-A form. Psychiatric diagnoses were determined using MINI, while symptoms of personality disorders were assessed using the SCID II screening form. Blood and saliva samples were collected for alcohol and drug markers.ResultsMost participants exhibited impaired Cognitive flexibility (67%), with varying levels of impairment in Verbal fluency and problem-solving functions (25–30%). The majority rated their executive functions as poor. At the one-year follow-up, Verbal fluency had improved (p <.05), but other executive functions remained unchanged. Stimulant use was associated with reduced Verbal fluency and Cognitive flexibility (p <.1). Older age and longer substance use duration correlated with poorer Verbal fluency (p <.05), while earlier onset of substance use correlated with poorer self-reported executive functioning (p <.05) but unexpectedly with better Cognitive flexibility (p <.1). Symptoms of borderline personality disorder was related to poorer self-reported executive functioning (p <.001), symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder was related to poorer Cognitive flexibility (p <.1), and symptoms of Antisocial Personality Disorder was related to better problem-solving (p <.1).ConclusionsExecutive function impairment is common in patients starting OMT, with specific functions more affected. The varied results of correlations between psychiatric comorbidity, substance use, and executive function indicate patient heterogeneity. While some executive functions show slight improvement over time, complex functions appear resistant to change, suggesting lasting damage which may influence treatment outcomes. Overall, patient variability in executive function highlights the need for personalized treatment approaches in OMT.

The associations between strength losses in lower limbs and functional limitations are high for older adults. It is necessary to know the effects of modalities such as power training (PT) and multicomponent training (MT) on muscle strength compared to traditional resistance training (TRT) in this population. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of 20-weeks of PT, MT, and TRT using variable resistance (elastic bands with loops) on isokinetic strength in older women (OW). METHODS: 136 sedentary OW (68.09 ± 4.78 yr) were randomized into PT (n=34), MT (n=34), TRT (n=34), and control groups (CG) (n=34). All exercise groups trained twice weekly for 20 weeks. PT performed 6 exercises, 3-4 sets of 10-12 repetitions, at a 4 rate of perceived exertion (RPE) in the first repetition and no more than 6 in the last. MT performed balance, muscular endurance (2 exercises, 3-4 sets of 15 repetitions at 7-9 RPE), aerobic, flexibility, and coordination exercises. The TRT performed 6 exercises, 3-4 sets of 6 repetitions at 7-9 RPE. Maximum strength of knee extensors (KE) and hip abductors (HA) was measured at 60°/s and 180°/s in the dominant side with an isokinetic dynamometer. Trial (2) by group (4) repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine differences regarding time and groups. RESULTS: PT group showed a significant increase in HA (+89.61%) and KE (+22.75%) muscle strength at 180°/s with significant differences (p<0.05) between MT, TRT, and CG groups for HA, and between CG for KE. TRT group showed a significant improvement in HA (+76.74) and KE (+11.29) at 60°/s with significant differences between CG in both. MT showed a significant increase in HA at 60°/s (+13-5%) and 180°/s (+29.85%), and also in KE at 60°/s (+4.62%) with significant differences between CG in HA at 180°/s and KE at 60°/s. No significant changes were observed for the CG. CONCLUSIONS: PT is the most effective training modality for increasing muscle strength output at high velocity, while TRT is more effective for improving maximal strength at low velocity, for HA and KE. MT can be an effective alternative as it induces adaptation at high velocity on HA and at low velocity on KE. The use of elastic bands with loops (CLX bands) can facilitate the application of these types of programs.

There is growing interest in identifying the mechanisms underpinning the effects of physical activity on executive functions (e.g. inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility) in children. Our study examined cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, and motor competence as potential mediators of this relationship. The study used baseline data from the Learning to Lead (L2L) cluster randomised controlled trial. In total, 675 children (7–11 years, 49.5% girls) completed measures of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, motor competence, and executive functions. Structural equation modelling was used to examine the potential mediating roles of cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, and motor competence in the cross-sectional association between MVPA and executive functions. Cardiorespiratory fitness (β = 0.06, SE = 0.021, p = 0.004) partially mediated the association between MVPA and cognitive flexibility. Muscular fitness was a significant mediator of the association between MVPA and both inhibitory control (β = 0.03, SE = 0.014, p = 0.027) and cognitive flexibility (β = 0.06, SE = 0.021, p = 0.005). No significant mediated effects were found for motor competence. Our findings suggest cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness (but not motor competence) mediate the association between physical activity and executive functions in children.

Strength training has been reported as a potentially useful exercise to improve psychological aspects in the elderly, but its effects remain controversial. This study investigated the effectiveness of strength training conducted twice a week for 12 weeks for improving health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and executive cognitive function. The study was a single-blind randomized controlled trial with assessments before and after intervention. HRQOL and executive function were assessed using the SF-36 Health Status Survey and a computerized neuro-cognitive assessment using task-switch reaction time trials, respectively. Subjects comprised 119 participants > or =65 years old, randomized to either strength training (n=65) or health education classes (controls, n=54). The strength training program was designed to strengthen the large muscle groups most important for functional activities and to improve balance. The effects of the intervention on the eight dimensions of the SF-36 in the control and training groups were analyzed. Only the mental health scale of the SF-36 was significantly improved for the training group compared with controls after 12 weeks. Task-switch reaction time and correct response rate remained unchanged. Short-term strength training might have modest positive effects on HRQOL, although this training period may not be sufficient to affect executive function in relatively healthy older people.

We performed a randomized, controlled trial to analyse the effects of resistance training (RT) on cognitive and physical function among older adults. Fifty participants (mean age 67 years, ~60% woman) were randomly assigned to an RT program or a control group. Participants allocated to RT performed three sets of 10-15RM in nine exercises, three times per week, for 12-weeks. Control group did not perform any exercise. Variables included cognitive (global and executive function) and physical function (gait, mobility and strength) outcomes. At completion of the intervention, RT was shown to have significantly mitigated the drop in selective attention and conflict resolution performance (Stroop test: -494.6; 95%CI: -883.1; −106.1) and promoted a significant improvement in working memory (digit span forward: -0.6; 95%CI: −1.0; −0.1 and forward minus backward: -0.9; 95% CI: −1.6; −0.2) and verbal fluency (animal naming: +1.4, 95%CI 0.3, 2.5). No significant between-group differences were observed for other cognitive outcomes. Regarding physical function, at completion of the intervention, the RT group demonstrated improved fast-pace gait performance (−0.3; 95% CI: −0.6; −0.0) and 1-RM (+21.4 kg; 95%CI: 16.6; 26.2). No significant between-group differences were observed for other mobility-related outcomes. In conclusion, RT improves cognitive and physical function of older adults.

The study of the relationship between executive functions, intellectual abilities, and academic achievement plays an important role in the field of cognitive neuroscience, particularly for their implications in the educational field. Intelligence has been linked to executive functions. In fact, core aspects of intelligence, such as reasoning, problem-solving and planning, are often included in the wide range of frontal lobe functions and over laps with the so-called higher-level executive functions. In addition, executive functioning abilities are associated with skills put in play when participating in learning activities at school. In this sense, different studies have demonstrated that a lower performance on executive function measures typically is associated with a lower performance across different academic areas. The aim of this work was focused on the relationship between intelligence and executive functions, and their ability to predict academic achievement. In the present study, a non-experimental, transversal and descriptive-correlational design was implemented to explore the relationship between intellectual abilities, executive functions, and academic performance in a sample of 37 adolescents (17 girls) aged 13-14 years. The information was collected through the school reports of participants, and their performance on tests BANFE-2 (neuropsychological battery of the executive functions and frontal lobes) and WISC-IV (Wechsler intelligence scale for children 4th Ed.). Also, adolescents were classified into two groups (high- and low performers) based on their performance on the general intelligence score. Participants with IQ scores below the median were assigned to the low-performing group, while participants with IQ scores above the median were assigned to the high-performing group. The data obtained were subjected to descriptive, correlation and regression analyses. Results showed a pattern of positive and significant correlations between executive functions variables (BANFE-2) and intelligence scores (WISC-IV). The 69 % of significant correlations indicated a moderate – strong degree of association (i. e., 49 <r(35) < 73), while the remaining of significant correlations showed a weak degree of association (i. e., 37 <r(35) < 50). Particularly, executive functions variables, such as working memory, mental flexibility, and planning, were highly correlated with the IQ score, verbal comprehension index, and processing speed index. Further, academic achievement was predicted by intelligence scores (i. e., IQ score, verbal comprehension index, working memory index and processing speed index) and variables related to metafunctions (i. e., abstract reasoning and metacognition). On average, intelligence scores and metafunctions explained a 20 % of the variance in academic achievement. Finally, results revealed significant differences according to the general intelligence level of the adolescents, especially in executive function variables that had shown a larger association with intelligence scores. In particular, differences in executive skills between adolescents with high and low intelligence scores, were mainly characterized by differences in the performance of tasks with working memory and/or mental flexibility demands. These results confirm the association between intelligence and executive functions, and the capacity of intelligence abilities and higher-level executive functions in predicting academic achievement in different areas. Likewise, these findings highlight the important role of intelligence and executive functions in learning and academic achievement, and contribute to the consideration of different cognitive domains in the design of pedagogical strategies with the aim of promoting student performance. However, it is difficult to generalize findings beyond the study sample and arrive at more precise conclusions. The sample size was small and the scores were below expected standards in both WISC-IV and BANFE-2. In a future work, would be required a wider experimental study to conduct complex models of analysis that allow more precise and rigorous examinations. https://doi.org/10.16888/interd.2021.38.3.5

BackgroundDementia is a leading cause of death and disability that was declared as one of the greatest health and social care challenges of the twenty-first century. Regular physical activity and exercise have been proposed as a non-pharmacological strategy in disease prevention and management. Multicomponent Training (MT) combines aerobic, strength, balance and postural exercises and might be an effective training to improve both functional capacity and cognitive function in individuals with dementia (IwD). Nevertheless, data on the effects of MT in IwD are still limited and the extent to which IwD can retain improvements after an exercise intervention still needs to be elucidated. The aim of “Body & Brain” study is to investigate the effects of a 6-month MT intervention and 3-month detraining on the physical and cognitive function of IwD. Additionally, we aim to explore the impact of this intervention on psychosocial factors and physiologic markers related to dementia.MethodsThis study is a quasi-experimental controlled trial using a parallel-group design. The study sample consists of community-dwelling individuals aged ≥60 years who are clinically diagnosed with dementia or major neurocognitive disorder. Participants will be either allocated into the intervention group or the control group. The intervention group will participate in MT biweekly exercise sessions, whereas the control group will receive monthly sessions regarding physical activity and health-related topics for 6 months. The main outcomes will be physical function as measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and cognitive function evaluated using the Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale – Cognitive (ADAS-Cog) at baseline, after 6-months and 3-months after the end of intervention. Secondary outcomes will be body composition, physical fitness, daily functionality, quality of life, neuropsychiatric symptoms and caregiver’s burden. Cardiovascular, inflammatory and neurotrophic blood-based biomarkers, and arterial stiffness will also be evaluated in subsamples.DiscussionIf our hypothesis is correct, this project will provide evidence regarding the efficacy of MT training in improving physical and cognitive function and give insights about its impact on novel molecular biomarkers related to dementia. This project may also contribute to provide guidelines on exercise prescription for IwD.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov – identifier number NCT04095962; retrospectively registered on 19 September 2019.

To evaluate the effect of progressive resistance training of the ankle plantarflexors on gait efficiency, activity, and participation in adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). Sixty-four adolescents (10-19y; 27 females, 37 males; Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] levels I-III) were randomized to 30 sessions of resistance training (10 supervised and 20 unsupervised home sessions) over 10 weeks or usual care. The primary outcome was gait efficiency indicated by net nondimensional oxygen cost (NNcost). Secondary outcomes included physical activity, gross motor function, participation, muscle strength, muscle and tendon size, and muscle and tendon stiffness. Analysis was intention-to-treat. Median attendance at the 10 supervised sessions was 80% (range 40-100%). There was no between-group difference in NNcost at 10 (mean difference: 0.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.07 to 0.11, p=0.696) or 22 weeks (mean difference: -0.08, 95% CI -0.18 to 0.03, p=0.158). There was also no evidence of between-group differences in secondary outcomes at 10 or 22 weeks. There were 123 adverse events reported by 27 participants in the resistance training group. We found that 10 supervised sessions and 20 home sessions of progressive resistance training of the ankle plantarflexors did not improve gait efficiency, muscle strength, activity, participation, or any biomechanical outcome among adolescents with CP. Thirty sessions of progressive resistance training of the ankle plantarflexors over 10 weeks did not improve gait efficiency among ambulatory adolescents with cerebral palsy. Resistance training did not improve muscle strength, activity, or participation. Ninety percent of participants experienced an adverse event. Most adverse events were expected and no serious adverse events were reported.