Resistance Training and Cognitive Domains in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Objective To analyze the association between resistance training practice and performance in specific cognitive domains among community-dwelling older adults. Methods This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Physical Evaluation Laboratory (LAF/SANNY – Ensino Multidisciplinar em Fisiologia do Movimento) of the Centro Universitário de João Pessoa (UNIPÊ), Brazil. Sixty older adults aged 60–70 years, of both sexes and with completed secondary education, were allocated into resistance training practitioners (n = 30) and sedentary individuals (n = 30). Cognitive performance was assessed using the CogState® computerized battery. Between-group comparisons were performed using the Mann–Whitney U test, with effect size estimates. Results Resistance training practitioners demonstrated significantly better performance in psychomotor speed and working memory compared to sedentary participants (p < 0.05), with moderate effect sizes. No significant differences were observed for attention and visual learning domains. Conclusion Regular resistance training practice is associated with superior performance in specific cognitive domains among older adults, reinforcing its relevance as a non-pharmacological strategy for cognitive health promotion.