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Impact of resistance training repetition ranges on cognitive function and mental health in older women: A randomized
Paolo M Cunha1, Alex S Ribeiro2, Edilaine F Cavalcante1
1Metabolism, Nutrition, and Exercise Laboratory, Physical Education and Sport Center, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil.
Purpose:
This study aimed to examine the effects of two distinct repetition ranges in resistance training (RT) on cognitive function and mental health outcomes in older women.
Methods:
A total of 120 older women (age = 68 ± 5 years; body mass = 69.2 ± 12.6 kg; stature = 155 ± 5 cm; BMI = 30 ± 2 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: an RT group performing 8-12 repetition maximum (RM), an RT group performing 10-15 RM, or a non-exercise control group. The term RM refers to the maximum load that can be lifted with proper technique within a given repetition range. The 12-week RT program comprised eight whole-body exercises, each performed for three sets, three times per week. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Trail Making Test Parts A and B (TMT-A/B), Verbal Fluency Test, and Stroop Test. Mental health was evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI).
Results:
Both RT groups demonstrated significant improvements in cognitive performance (p < 0.05). MoCA scores increased by 2.9 % (8-12 RM) and 5.2 % (10-15 RM), semantic verbal fluency by 9.7 % (8-12 RM) and 9.0 % (10-15 RM), and phonological fluency by 12.3 % (8-12 RM) and 12.1 % (10-15 RM). Mental health outcomes also improved markedly: PHQ-9 scores decreased by 34.2 % (8-12 RM) and 24.4 % (10-15 RM); GDS-15 scores declined by 21.7 % (8-12 RM) and 17.4 % (10-15 RM); and BAI scores were reduced by 41.6 % (8-12 RM) and 41.5 % (10-15 RM).
Conclusion:
A 12-week RT program performed at either 8-12 RM or 10-15 RM promotes significant improvements in cognitive function and mental health among older women. These findings reinforce the role of RT as an effective non-pharmacological strategy to support mental and cognitive well-being in aging populations.
