A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of resistance exercise on cognitive function in older adults.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 41503279 · doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1708244
What was done
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of resistance training on cognitive function in older adults (aged 60 years and older). Searches were conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Science Direct from database inception through September 2024. Study quality was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (ROB2) tool, with analyses performed in RevMan 5.4 and Stata 17.
What was found
Across 17 RCTs (739 participants), resistance training produced statistically significant improvements in overall cognitive function (SMD = 0.40, P < 0.05), working memory (SMD = 0.44, P < 0.001), verbal learning and memory (MD = 3.01, P < 0.001), and spatial memory span (SMD = 0.63, P < 0.001). Changes in processing speed, executive function, and attention were not statistically significant (P > 0.05).
Why it matters
This review clarifies that resistance training confers domain-specific cognitive benefits in older adults, showing clear advantages for memory and global cognition rather than uniform effects across all cognitive domains.
Limits
The total sample size was modest (739 participants across 17 trials, averaging approximately 43 participants per study). The abstract does not provide confidence intervals, details on adherence, or the baseline cognitive status of participants.