Is Strength Training as Effective as Aerobic Training for Depression in Older Adults? A Randomized Controlled Trial

We report secondary findings from a randomized controlled trial on the effects of exercise on memory in older adults with probable MCI. We randomized 86 women aged 70–80 years with subjective memory complaints into one of three groups: resistance training, aerobic training, or balance and tone (control). All participants exercised twice per week for six months. We measured verbal memory and learning using the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) and spatial memory using a computerized test, before and after trial completion. We found that the aerobic training group remembered significantly more items in the loss after interference condition of the RAVLT compared with the control group after six months of training. In addition, both experimental groups showed improved spatial memory performance in the most difficult condition where they were required to memorize the spatial location of three items, compared with the control group. Lastly, we found a significant correlation between spatial memory performance and overall physical capacity after intervention in the aerobic training group. Taken together, our results provide support for the prevailing notion that exercise can positively impact cognitive functioning and may represent an effective strategy to improve memory in those who have begun to experience cognitive decline.

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P3-315: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL ON THE EFFECT OF EXERGAMING AND SINGLE AEROBIC TRAINING ON COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING IN OLDER ADULTS WITH DEMENTIA

Alzheimer s & Dementia ◽

10.1016/j.jalz.2018.06.1676 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 14 (7S_Part_22) ◽

pp. P1201-P1201

Author(s):

Esther G.A. Karssemeijer ◽

Justine A. Aaronson ◽

Marcel G.M. Olde Rikkert ◽

Roy P.C. Kessels

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Cognitive Functioning ◽

Aerobic Training ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Randomized Controlled

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The Role of S100B in Aerobic Training Efficacy in Older Adults with Mild Vascular Cognitive Impairment: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Neuroscience ◽

10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.04.052 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 410 ◽

pp. 176-182

Author(s):

C.K. Barha ◽

G.Y.R. Hsiung ◽

T. Liu-Ambrose

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Aerobic Training ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Secondary Analysis ◽

Vascular Cognitive Impairment ◽

Randomized Controlled

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Do Peers Increase Older Adults’ Participation in Strength Training? Pilot Randomized Trial

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.2019-0284 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 28 (5) ◽

pp. 714-722

Author(s):

Elissa Burton ◽

Karen Levit ◽

Jim Codde ◽

Keith D. Hill ◽

Anne-Marie Hill

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Strength Training ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Older Person ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Lower Limb Strength ◽

Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Over Time

Fewer than 20% of older adults participate in strength training (ST). Barriers to ST participation include not knowing where to go or not having someone to go with. To address these barriers, the authors provided older adults with a peer (older person already participating in ST) to support their engagement. The aim of this pilot randomized controlled trial was to determine whether older adults who were provided with a peer when participating in ST were more likely to be participating in ST 4 weeks postintervention, compared with those receiving ST alone. Fifty-one ST participants were recruited; 40 completed the intervention and postintervention data collection (78.4%). Providing peer support with ST did not significantly increase ST participation (p = .775). However, both groups made significant improvements over time in lower-limb strength and mobility. Participants in either group who continued the ST program (55%) had made additional significant improvements in lower-limb strength and mobility.

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The MoveStrong program for promoting balance and functional strength training and adequate protein intake in pre-frail older adults: A pilot randomized controlled trial

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0257742 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (9) ◽

pp. e0257742

Author(s):

Isabel B. Rodrigues ◽

Ellen Wang ◽

Heather Keller ◽

Lehana Thabane ◽

Maureen C. Ashe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Strength Training ◽

Protein Intake ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Pilot Trial ◽

Adherence Rate ◽

Older Individuals ◽

Frail Older Adults ◽

Randomized Controlled

Background Balance and functional strength training can improve muscle strength and physical functioning outcomes and decrease the risk of falls in older adults. To maximize the benefits of strength training, adequate protein intake is also important. However, the number of older individuals that consume enough protein or routinely engage in strength training remains low at less than 5% and even lower for activities that challenge balance. Our primary aim was to assess the feasibility of implementing a model (MoveStrong) of service delivery to teach older adults about balance and functional strength training and methods to increase protein intake. Methods This study was a closed cohort stepped wedge randomized controlled trial. We recruited individuals ≥60 years considered pre-frail or frail with at least one chronic condition who were not currently engaging in regular strength training from Northern (rural) and Southern (urban) Ontario sites in Canada. The primary outcome was feasibility of implementation, defined by recruitment, retention, and adherence, and safety (defined by monitoring adverse events). We also reported participants’ and providers’ experience with MoveStrong, adaptations to the model based on participant’s and provider’s experience, and program fidelity. Results We recruited 44 participants to the study and the average adherence rate was 72% with a retention of 71%. The program had a high-fidelity score. One person experienced a fall-related injury during exercise, while two other participants reported pain during certain activities. Five individuals experienced injuries or health problems that were not related to the program. Suggestions for future trials include modifying some exercises, exploring volunteer assistance, increasing the diversity of participants enrolled, and considering a different study design. Conclusions Our pilot trial demonstrates the feasibility of recruitment and adherence for a larger multisite RCT of balance and functional strength training with attention to protein intake in pre-frail and frail older adults.

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