There are fewer large, well-designed, randomized controlled trials assessing resistance training on brain health outcomes, although the available literature has proved promising [
]. Randomized clinical trials have examined the effects of resistance training on cognitive function and have found that participation results in improvements in executive function [
]. However, results have been inconsistent in showing that resistance training can prevent cognitive decline and AD [
]. In a study of 62 older adults randomized to resistance training or a control group, resistance training (both high and low-intensity groups) was associated with improved working memory [
]. In another study of 155 older women [
], one year of resistance training was associated with the benefit of selective attention and conflict resolution performance compared to those randomized to the control group. Paradoxically, resistance training was associated with a 0.3–0.4% decline in whole brain volume compared to controls, though this effect has yet to be replicated. A recent systematic review showed that resistance training positively affected older adults’ executive cognitive ability and global cognitive function. It also had a weak but positive impact on memory. There was no significant improvement in attention. The authors also concluded that tri-weekly resistance training has a better effect on general cognitive ability than biweekly [
Despite the widespread recommendation for combined exercise, no studies have directly compared the effects of aerobic vs. resistance or combined training on cognition. However, studies have assessed the differential impact of these exercise modalities on body weight and composition [
220,
221,
222], insulin resistance [
222,
223,
224,
225,
226], inflammation [
227], and functional limitations [
223,
224,
225]. The results of these studies suggest that combining aerobic and resistance training is optimal for effects on insulin resistance [
223,
225] and physical function [
225] but does not offer advantages for altering adiposity [
228].
Resistance and endurance training elicit physiologic adaptations to cardiovascular, muscular, bioenergetic, and neuroendocrine systems [
217,
229,
230]. Resistance training relies preferentially on anaerobic metabolism during the short but intense training bouts. This improves muscle strength and quality while increasing high energy phosphate (ATP and creatine phosphate) availability, mitochondrial density, and oxidative capacity [
150], effects that are generally not observed with aerobic exercise. In contrast, aerobic exercise training increases the capacity of muscle to generate energy through increased myoglobin content in muscle and increased efficiency of oxygen extraction and carbohydrate oxidation. Despite some concern that combined aerobic and resistance training will result in an “interference effect” where the development of strength during the same period might influence the development of aerobic capacity and vice versa, several studies have found no evidence of this possible effect [
227,
230].
The field has not directly assessed whether public health recommendations provide independent or combined effects on cognition in older adults. Conclusions from prior work are limited by design. Specifically, there is limited literature comparing resistance or combined exercise to a non-exercise control [
218,
231,
232,
233,
234,
235,
236,
237,
238]. There is also high variability in endurance exercise types: walking, circuit training, running [
239], swimming/aqua endurances [
239], etc. [
194,
215,
240]. There is also variability in resistance training parameters, including modality, weekly sessions, and progression [
218,
232,
234,
235,
241,
242]. Finally, there is an ongoing trial to test the independent and combined effects of resistance and endurance training on brain health and physiology in old adults [
243].
5. Other Forms of Exercise
Yoga. Yoga is a popular complementary health approach and form of physical activity practiced by adults and older adults. Yoga combines physical postures, rhythmic breathing, and meditative practice to offer those who do it a unique holistic mind-body experience. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effect of yoga-related mind-body therapies on cognitive function in older adults. For example, Bhattacharyya, Andel and Small [
244] found 12 studies and 11 randomized controlled trials. The studies involved various yoga practices with a common focus on meditative postural exercises. They revealed significant beneficial effects on memory (Cohen’s
d = 0.38), executive function (Cohen’s
d = 0.40), and attention and processing speed (Cohen’s
d = 0.33).
Similarly, Gothe et al. [
245] reviewed 11 studies examining the effects of yoga practice on brain structures, function and cerebral blood flow. The studies demonstrate a positive effect of yoga practice on the structure and/or function of the hippocampus, amygdala, prefrontal cortex, cingulate cortex, and brain networks, including the default mode network. However, there is variability in the neuroimaging findings that partially reflects different yoga styles and approaches and sample size limitations [
246]. Overall, the existing body of research offers early evidence that behavioral interventions like yoga may hold promise to mitigate age-related and neurodegenerative declines, as many of the regions identified are known to demonstrate significant age-related atrophy.
Tai Chi. Tai Chi is another popular complementary health approach and form of physical activity practiced by adults and older adults. Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese martial art that includes a series of slow, gentle movements, physical postures, a meditative state of mind and controlled breathing. Research surrounding this mind-body exercise suggests it may impact older adults’ cognition and brain function. For example, Liu et al. [
247] recently completed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of Tai Chi on cognitive function. The authors found Thirty-three randomized controlled trials and that tai chi could progress global cognition when assessed in middle-aged and elderly patients suffering from cognitive and executive function impairment. Similarly, a recent literature review to evaluate the effect of tai chi practice on brain structure and neurobehavior changes found the increased volume of cortical grey matter, improved neural activity and homogeneity, and increased neural connectivity in different brain regions, including the frontal, temporal, and occipital lobes, cerebellum, and thalamus. Furthermore, the longer one practices tai chi, these brain regions are altered [
248].
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has emerged as a time-efficient strategy to improve health-related fitness compared to traditional training methods. HIIT is an interval exercise that incorporates several rounds of alternating exercises at a high intensity (i.e., 80% of heart rate max) followed by a short period of lower-intensity movements (i.e., recovery). Leahy et al. [
249] recently conducted a review to explore the impact of HIIT training on cognitive function in children and adolescents. A total of 22 studies were included in the review. Acute studies showed small to moderate effects for executive function (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.03–0.98;
p = 0.038) and affect (SMD, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.05–0.62;
p = 0.020), respectively. Chronic studies also showed a small significant effect on executive function (SMD, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.15–0.76,
p < 0.001), well-being (SMD, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.02–0.41;
p = 0.029), and ill-being (SMD, −0.35; 95% CI, −0.68 to −0.03;
p = 0.035). The review provides preliminary evidence suggesting that participation in HIIT can improve cognitive function and mental health in children and adolescents. Recent evidence also supports the contention that HIIT elicits higher fat oxidation in skeletal muscle than other forms of exercise and is an excellent stimulus to increase maximal oxygen uptake (VO
2 max). HIIT also seems to be an excellent stimulus to enhance BDNF (a protein synthesized in neurons that participates in cognitive processes as measured at the hippocampus) [
250]. In addition, HIIT should be included in stroke rehabilitation for its beneficial effects on neuroplasticity processes [
251]. HIIT has also enhanced cognitive flexibility in older adults [
252]. The findings in older mice suggest HIIT can improve physical function and reduce frailty, decreasing the risk of disability and loss of independence with age [
253,
254]. However, more research on HIIT is needed before strong conclusions can be drawn.