High Speed Circuit Training and Cognition

The Impact of Circuit Resistance Training on Cognition and Estimated Maximal Oxygen Consumption in Older Adults.

The purpose of this research study is to see if a weight training program can make a positive change in participant fitness as measured by the ability to use oxygen and help the participant remember things.

The purpose of this research study is to see if a weight training program can make a positive change in cardiac fitness, that is a person's ability to use oxygen; and, if the program can help a person's memory, as measured by some standard tests. The researchers will also ask the participant to attend two sessions with researchers at the Bascom-Palmer Eye Institute so they can take pictures of the participants' eyes to see how training changes the number of blood vessels. This can be used by doctors and other clinicians to evaluate improvements blood flow to the brain due to training.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Men and women between 60 and 85 years of age (inclusive)
2. Ability to provide informed consent
3. No medical contraindication to participation in an exercise program including unstable or active untreated major medical illness (i.e., cardiovascular disease, neurological or neuromuscular diseases, stroke, cancer, etc.).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Existing muscle-skeletal injury
2. Mini-mental score <18
3. Enrolled in another exercise program
4. Unstable or active major medical illness
5. Answer "Yes" to any questions on the Elder PAR-Q
6. Pregnancy