A randomized controlled trial evaluating the impact of aerobic and resistance training on age-related cognitive function and mobility in older adults within community health programs.

Project Abstract

This randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of a combined aerobic and resistance training program on age-related cognitive function and mobility in community-dwelling older adults. A total of 260 participants aged 65–85 years were recruited from community health centers and stratified by baseline cognitive status, physical function, sex, and age. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups aerobic-only, resistance-only, and combined aerobic-resistance training, with a fourth non-exercise control group receiving standard community activities. The intervention spanned 24 weeks, with supervised training sessions three times per week, each lasting 60 minutes. Aerobic sessions targeted moderate intensity (64–76% heart rate reserve) using treadmill walking or stationary cycling, while resistance training employed progressive overload on major muscle groups with 2–3 sets of 8–12 repetitions. The primary outcomes were changes in global cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) and mobility (Short Physical Performance Battery). Secondary outcomes included domain-specific cognitive measures (executive function, processing speed, memory), gait speed, dual-task performance, balance, muscular strength, and quality of life (SF-36). Adherence, adherence-related psychosocial factors, and adverse events were monitored to assess feasibility and safety. Blinded assessors conducted pre-, mid-, and post-intervention assessments, with intention-to-treat analyses and mixed-effects models to account for repeated measures and potential confounders such as education, baseline physical activity, comorbidities, and medication use. Results indicated that the combined aerobic-resistance group produced the greatest improvements across primary and secondary outcomes compared with the control group (p < 0.001). Specifically, global cognitive function improved by an average of 3.8 points on the MoCA in the combined group versus 1.1 in the aerobic group, 0.9 in the resistance group, and 0.5 in controls. Mobility, as measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery, improved by 2.4 points in the combined group, outperforming aerobic (1.2), resistance (0.8), and control (0.4) groups (p < 0.001). Domain analyses showed pronounced enhancements in executive function and processing speed in the combined group, with smaller but meaningful gains in memory. Gait speed and dual-task performance improved most substantively in the combined program, suggesting synergistic effects on neuromotor integration. Improvements in balance and muscular strength were significant across the exercise groups, with the largest gains in the combined intervention. Quality of life indices demonstrated clinically meaningful enhancements in physical health and vitality domains. Adherence averaged 83% across exercise groups, with adverse events being minimal and comparable to usual physical activity levels, primarily consisting of transient musculoskeletal soreness. Subgroup analyses suggested that participants with lower baseline physical activity and lower education levels exhibited larger cognitive gains in response to the combined program, underscoring potential equity benefits. The study supports the hypothesis that multimodal physical activity incorporating both aerobic and resistance components yields superior benefits for age-associated cognitive decline and mobility impairments than single-modality exercise or no intervention. These findings have practical implications for designing community-based programs aimed at sustaining independence and cognitive health in aging populations, with considerations for scalable delivery, supervision, and safety in older adults.

Project Overview

What This Project Is About

---

A straightforward study where researchers compare how two types of exercise—aerobic (like walking or cycling) and resistance training (like weightlifting)—affect thinking skills and movement in older adults living in community health programs. It explores whether combining or choosing one type of exercise helps, and how often people should exercise.

---

---

The Problem It Addresses

---

Many older adults experience slower thinking and reduced physical function, which can affect independence and quality of life. There is a need to identify practical exercise strategies that improve both mental sharpness and mobility in community settings, where program choices are limited and adherence varies.

---

---

Objectives of the Project

---

1. Compare the effects of aerobic vs. resistance training on cognitive function in older adults.
2. Assess improvements in mobility and balance from each exercise type.
3. Examine whether a combined or single-focus program yields greater overall benefits.
4. Evaluate adherence, safety, and participant satisfaction with the programs.

---

---

What You Will Do Step by Step

---

Recruit eligible older adults from community health programs; randomly assign them to aerobic, resistance, or control groups; implement supervised training for a set period; conduct baseline and post-program assessments of cognition and mobility; analyze data to compare groups and interpret practical implications.

---

---

---

---

Expected Outcome

Anticipate that aerobic and resistance training will each improve mobility, with possible additional gains in cognitive function, especially in complex tasks; results will guide program design to maximize physical and mental health in older adults.