Resistance training improves attention in older women

January, 2010

A study has found resistance training significantly improved selective attention and conflict resolution in older women, but balance and tone training did not.

A study involving 155 women aged 65-75 has found that those who participated in resistance training once or twice weekly for a year significantly improved their selective attention (maintaining mental focus) and conflict resolution (as well as muscular function of course!), compared to those who participated in twice-weekly balance and tone training. Performance on the Stroop test improved by 12.6% and 10.9% in the once-weekly and twice-weekly resistance training groups respectively, while it deteriorated by 0.5% in the balance and tone group. Improved attention and conflict resolution was also significantly associated with increased gait speed.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-01/jaaj-paa012110.php

Reference:

[636] Liu-Ambrose, T., Nagamatsu L. S., Graf P., Beattie L. B., Ashe M. C., & Handy T. C.
(2010). Resistance Training and Executive Functions: A 12-Month Randomized Controlled Trial.
Arch Intern Med. 170(2), 170 - 178.

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