Weight Training and Cardio at Old Age Keeps Doctors Away: Study

A latest study published in the journal PLOS ONE states that lifting weights and doing cardio reduces the number of hospital visits in seniors. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia in collaboration with the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute.

To prove their hypothesis, the researchers followed 86 women belonging to the age group of 70-80. The participants were randomly assigned to take part in weight training classes, outdoor walking classes or balance and toning classes that included yoga and Pilates for nearly 6 months.

All of them had a mild level of cognitive impairment, which is a well-recognized risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and dementia. During the study period, the researchers even calculated the total cost incurred by each participant in accessing several health care resources.

It was noticed that those who took part in cardio or weight training programs incurred less health care costs such as lab tests or doctors visits, when compared to those who took part in balance and toning programs, Jennifer Davis, a postdoctoral fellow and lead author of the study, said in a press statement.

This study is the latest in a series of studies that calculate the efficacy of various types of training programs on cognitive performance in senior patients.

Prior to this, a study showed how aerobic and weight training improved the cognitive performance of participants, while balance and toning programs did not help. This study was published February in the Journal of Aging Research.

"While balance and toning exercises are good elements of an overall health improvement program, you can't 'down-dog' your way to better brain health," Teresa Liu-Ambrose, an Associate Professor in the UBC Faculty of Medicine, said in a press statement. "The new study also shows that cardio and weight training are more cost-effective for the health care system."