Research
Adherence
Once-weekly resistance training improves executive function in older women, but does not significantly affect white matter volume or memory compared to balance-and-toning.
If you can only train once a week, resistance training is still beneficial for your brain's executive function. Focus on progressive overload with compound movements.
GoodQualifiesHIGH confidence
Once-weekly RT positively impacted change in EF post-intervention (d = .35; p = .002), and this impact persisted at 2-year follow-up (d = .48; p = .002).
Why this rating
RCT with long-term follow-up, though MRI subset was small.
Source
Long-Term Effects of Resistance Exercise Training on Cognition and Brain Volume in Older Women: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial
John R. Best et al. · Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society · 2015
DOI 10.1017/s1355617715000673
rct · n=155Cited 194×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
Related findings · Adherence
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity) reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 20-30% and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25-35%.Strong
- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →