The effects of resistance training on well-being and memory in elderly volunteers.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the short- and long-term effects of resistance training on muscle strength, psychological well-being, control-beliefs, cognitive speed and memory in normally active elderly people.


METHODS
46 elderly people (mean age 73.2 years; 18 women and 28 men), were randomly assigned to training and control groups (n=23 each). Pre- and post-tests were administered 1 week before and 1 week after the 8-week training intervention. The training sessions, performed once a week, consisted of a 10 min warm-up phase and eight resistance exercises on machines.


RESULTS
There was a significant increase in maximum dynamic strength in the training group. This training effect was associated with a significant decrease in self-attentiveness, which is known to enhance psychological well-being. No significant changes could be observed in control-beliefs. Modest effects on cognitive functioning occurred with the training procedure: although there were no changes in cognitive speed, significant pre/post-changes could be shown in free recall and recognition in the experimental group. A post-test comparison between the experimental group and control group showed a weak effect for recognition but no significant differences in free recall. Significant long-term effects were found in the training group for muscular strength and memory performance (free recall) 1 year later.


CONCLUSIONS
An 8-week programme of resistance training lessens anxiety and self-attentiveness and improves muscle strength.
Perrig-Chiello
P
P
Institute of Psychology, University of Berne, Bern, Switzerland. pasqualina.perrigchiello@psy.unibe.ch
Perrig
W J
WJ
Ehrsam
R
R
Staehelin
H B
HB
Krings
F
F
D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D012649:Self Concept