Repetition ranges and cognition: training groups improved, but comparisons remain unclear
Older women showed cognitive and mental-health score improvements with both training ranges. The abstract does not establish a preferred repetition range.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Both training groups showed improved cognitive-test performance and lower depression and anxiety questionnaire scores after the program. However, the abstract does not provide numerical differences from the non-exercise group or direct comparisons between repetition ranges. The reported changes therefore do not establish which range works better or whether the score changes were clinically meaningful.
Control-group results, between-group effect estimates and confidence intervals are absent from the abstract. This limits interpretation of the reported improvements and their clinical importance.
What researchers found
Reported increase in MoCA cognitive-test score
Over 12 weeks in the 8-12 and 10-15 repetition groups, respectively. These are within-group score changes; numerical comparisons with the non-exercise group were not reported.
What the ranges describe
Repetition maximum describes the load a person can lift with proper technique within a specified repetition range. Both training groups followed the same whole-body exercise schedule, while differing in their assigned range.
What score changes mean
The study measured performance on cognitive tests and symptoms on questionnaires. Lower questionnaire scores do not, by themselves, show that a diagnosed depressive or anxiety disorder resolved.
The original publication
Impact of resistance training repetition ranges on cognitive function and mental health in older women: A randomized controlled clinical trial.
Cunha PM, Ribeiro AS, Cavalcante EF et al.
J Affect Disord · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41422954
- Record checked
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