Impact of resistance training repetition ranges on cognitive function and mental health in older women: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the effects of two distinct repetition ranges in resistance training (RT) on cognitive function and mental health outcomes in older women. METHODS: A total of 120 older women (age = 68 ± 5 years; body mass = 69.2 ± 12.6 kg; stature = 155 ± 5 cm; BMI = 30 ± 2 kg/m) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: an RT group performing 8-12 repetition maximum (RM), an RT group performing 10-15 RM, or a non-exercise control group. The term RM refers to the maximum load that can be lifted with proper technique within a given repetition range. The 12-week RT program comprised eight whole-body exercises, each performed for three sets, three times per week. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Trail Making Test Parts A and B (TMT-A/B), Verbal Fluency Test, and Stroop Test. Mental health was evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). RESULTS: Both RT groups demonstrated significant improvements in cognitive performance (p CONCLUSION: A 12-week RT program performed at either 8-12 RM or 10-15 RM promotes significant improvements in cognitive function and mental health among older women. These findings reinforce the role of RT as an effective non-pharmacological strategy to support mental and cognitive well-being in aging populations.