P4‐306: Effects of aerobic, resistance and combination training on cognitive function in older adults: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

It has been suggested that physical exercise prevents cognitive decline in older people, but it is unclear what types of exercise modalities are more effective. The study proposed here aims to assess the influence of aerobic versus resistance versus combination of both types of training on cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults with subjective cognitive impairment. A total of 415 subjects aged 65-85 years with subjective cognitive impairment randomly assigned to a 6-month, twice-weekly programmed of: (1) aerobic training, (2) resistance training, (3) composite of aerobic and resistance training or control group. Cognitive function was assessed with a neuropsychological test battery focusing on the cognitive domains of memory, attention, working memory, verbal fluency, processing speed, and executive function. After neuropsychological testing, all subjects have been allocated in April 2015. The 41.0% (n=170) of the subjects had impaired memory, and 19.8% (n= 82) were apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) carriers. In the subjects with impaired memory 21.8% (n= 37) were ApoE4 carriers, while 18.4% (n= 45) of the subjects without memory impairment had ApoE4. Currently the intervention is ongoing. The present study examines the effect of aerobic, resistance, and combination training on cognitive function in older adults including 41% of subjects with impaired memory. Findings will provide important implication regarding what types of exercise modalities are more effective.