AUTHOR=Castaño Luz Albany Arcila , Castillo de Lima Vivian , Barbieri João Francisco , Lucena Erick Guilherme Peixoto de , Gáspari Arthur Fernandes , Arai Hidenori , Teixeira Camila Vieira Ligo , Coelho-Júnior Hélio José , Uchida Marco Carlos 

TITLE=Resistance Training Combined With Cognitive Training Increases Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Improves Cognitive Function in Healthy Older Adults

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.870561

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2022.870561

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=Background: The present study compared the effects of a traditional resistance training (TRT) and resistance training combined with cognitive task (RT+CT) on body composition, physical performance, cognitive function, and plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) levels in older adults. 
Methods: Thirty community-dwelling older adults were randomized into TRT and RT+CT. Exercise groups performed a similar resistance training (RT) program, twice a week over 16 weeks. Cognitive Training involved performing verbal fluency simultaneously with RT. Exercise sessions (eight resistance exercises) were performed 2-3 sets, 8-15 repetitions at 60-70% of 1-repetition maximum (1RM). Body composition, physical function, cognitive performance, and BDNF levels were assessed before and after intervention period.  
Results: The physical performance was similarly improved in response to both TRT and RT+CT (p=0.001). However, exclusive improvements on cognitive function (p<0.001) and BDNF levels (p=0.001) were observed only after RT+CT. 
Conclusion: The RT program associated with a cognitive task, improved physical and cognitive performance in healthy older adults.