Effects of Resistance Training Exercise on Cognitive Functioning in Older Adults with and without Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Abstract Introduction: A positive relationship between physical exercise training and cognitive function in humans is well-established. However, knowledge of how resistance exercise training affects patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is limited. COPD is usually followed by declines in cognitive functioning. Thus, an examination of how resistance exercise training affects cognitive functioning in COPD is warranted. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of resistance exercise training on cognitive functioning in COPD participants. Method Thirty-six older adults (> 65 years) with COPD (n = 8) and healthy controls (n = 28) completed the study protocol. Cognitive functioning using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was measured before and after a 13-week resistance exercise training intervention. Results For the healthy control group, resistance exercise training had no significant positive effects on cognitive functioning. For the COPD group, resistance exercise training displayed negative effects on cognitive functioning, contrary to our hypothesis. Conclusion While some participants without COPD had minor improvements from resistance exercise, COPD participants had adverse effects from the exercise intervention on cognitive functioning.