Abstract
This research was designed to examine the comparative impact of high-speed circuit resistance training (HSCT) and high-speed multidirectional yoga (YogaCue) on changes in executive function in older adults. A holistic view of human aging can significantly impact the trajectory of age-related physiological changes. Thus, changes in aerobic fitness, muscular fitness, nutrition, and sleep were assessed across the intervention period given their relationship to executive function. This research included a total of 31 healthy, older adults ages 60-99 (74.2 ± 6.3).
Cognitive assessments of executive function included the Trail Making Tests and tasks within the NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery. Further, aerobic fitness, muscular strength neuromuscular power, nutrition and sleep quality were assessed. Individuals were randomly placed in either HSCT (n=16) or YogaCue (n=15) to train for 135 minutes per week for 12 weeks. A 2 (group) X 2 (time) mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for all outcome measures. Individuals in HSCT showed a significant improvement on the Picture Sequence Memory Test (p<.002), while a main effect on the Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test (PAT) (p<.059) and Fluid Composite Cognition Score (FCS) approached significance (p<.053). Further, there was a significant main effect, showing an increase in aerobic fitness (p<.004), CP1RM (p<.001), LPPP (p<.002) and percent dietary saturated fat (p<.001) across the intervention period and only the HSCT group showed a significant increase in LP1RM (p<.001). This research shows that HSCT was more effective than YogaCue in improving executive function in healthy, older adults; however, the two programs did not show changes on some executive function measures, which require further examination. Finally, these interventions are effective in improving aerobic fitness, muscular strength, and power.