Exercise Therapy Improves Cognitive Performance in Older Adults

Strategic Insights -

A recent study published in BMC Geriatrics, a journal of bioMed Central, suggests that exercise therapy, specifically metastable resistance training (MRT), can improve cognitive performance in older adults. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Kassel in Germany, examined the effects of MRT on cognitive performance in comparison to traditional resistance training (T-RT) and balance training (BT). The results show that MRT improves inhibitory control, a cognitive function critical for attention and perceptual processing.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involved 83 healthy older adults (mean age 70.5 ± 4.5 years) who were randomly assigned to three groups: MRT, BT, or T-RT.
  • Participants trained twice a week for 10 weeks, and cognitive functions were assessed using four tasks targeting working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and perceptual processing.
  • MRT was found to improve inhibitory control in comparison to BT, with a significant time-by-group interaction observed (t(80) = 3.56, p < 0.01).
  • The study hypothesized that MRT specifically improves cognitive task performance requiring perceptual processing and attention, which was supported by the results.
  • MRT was reported to increase metabolic, coordinative, and cognitive demands during exercise, as well as improve cognitive performance in older adults.

Statistics:

  • 83 participants were included in the study (mean age 70.5 ± 4.5 years).
  • Participants trained twice a week for 10 weeks.
  • The study found a significant time-by-group interaction for inhibitory control, with MRT showing a 3.56 t-statistic and p < 0.01.
  • The study concluded that MRT improves cognitive task performance requiring perceptual processing and attention.

Sources:

  • Effects of metastable resistance training with strength and balance requirements compared to traditional resistance and balance training on cognitive performance in older adults: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Geriatrics, 2025;25(1):777.
  • NewsRx. New Data from University of Kassel Illuminate Findings in Exercise Therapy (Effects of metastable resistance training with strength and balance requirements compared to traditional resistance and balance training on cognitive performance in ...). Health & Medicine Week. October 31, 2025; p 2782.