高齢女性におけるレジスタンス運動の反復回数範囲が認知機能および精神的健康に及ぼす影響：ランダム化比較試験

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.

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).

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).

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.