Abstract
This study investigated the benefits of resistance training on cognition in
patients with mild cognitive impairment. We searched the PubMed, Embase and
Cochrane Library databases, and seven randomized controlled trials were
reviewed. We evaluated the risk of bias using the Cochrane
Collaboration’s bias assessment tool. Standard mean differences with
95% confidence intervals were calculated for statistical analysis. This
meta-analysis assessed three variables: general cognitive function, executive
function and working memory. The results indicate that general cognitive
function improved significantly (standardized mean difference: 0.53,
P=0.04), and further subgroup analyses on frequency and duration per
session showed that the subgroups ‘twice a week’
(P=0.01) and ‘duration per session
>60 min’ (P=0.0006) exhibited better
performance than the subgroups ‘three time a week’
(P=0.47) and ‘duration per session
<60 min’ (P=0.53). Additionally, a moderate
effect size was found in executive function (standardized mean difference: 0.50,
P=0.0003), and there was non-significant effect in working memory
(P=0.14). In summary, resistance training may mitigate mild cognitive
impairment by improving cognition. Larger-scale studies are recommended to
demonstrate the relationship between resistance training and cognition in mild
cognitive impairment.
Key words
exercise therapy - cognitive dysfunction - mild cognitive impairment - randomized controlled trials as topic - meta-analysis
