Effects of a 16-week High-Speed Resistance Training program on physical and cognitive function in community-dwelling independent older adults: A Clinical Trial

Purpose: Ageing involves diverse changes in physical and cognitive functions. This study explored the impact of a 16-week High-Speed Resistance Training (HSRT) program on physical and cognitive functions of independent older adults. Methods: The clinical trial involved 79 older adults, divided into an intervention group (IG, N=40, 68.50±3.54 years; 68.65±11.36 kg) and a control group (CG, N=39, 72.08±5.89 years; 67.04±10.69 kg). The IG participants engaged in 60–70 minutes session of supervised HSRT (speed range of >1.3–0.75 m/s in concentric actions), three times a week for 16 weeks, with 5–6 exercises per session, 2–3 sets, and 6–10 repetitions per exercise. Physical function was assessed using the chair‐stand test, the Time Up and Go (TUG) test, the seated medicine ball throw (SMBT), the six-minute walking test (6MWT), and handgrip strength test (dominant and non-dominant). The cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). CG did not perform any exercise training program. Results: The HSRT program could induce significant improvements in physical function in favour of the IG for chair-stand (η² _p =0.736), TUG test (η² _p =0.635), SMBT (η² _p =0.331), 6MWT (η² _p =0.386), and handgrip strength test for the dominant (η² _p =0.448) and non-dominant side (η² _p =0.388), as well as in cognitive function (η² _p =0.248). Conclusion: The 16-week HSRT program led to substantial enhancements in both physical and cognitive functions. Remarkably, the HSRT program, tailored to specific velocity zones, proved to be a safe and motivational approach to physical activity for this population. Clinical Trial Registration NCT05586087