Is regular resistance exercise training linked with cerebrovascular health?
The effects of aerobic exercise on cerebrovascular and brain health are more widely understood than the effect of resistance exercise, despite the clear importance of resistance exercise for preserving muscle function and maintaining healthy cardiovascular aging. This study is a collaborative project in the Dept. of Kinesiology with Dr. Jacob Meyer to understand associations between resistance exercise training history, cerebrovascular health, and mental health. We will assess strength, aerobic fitness, cerebrovascular function, and mental health in young and middle-aged adults with a history of resistance exercise training and compare them to other adults with histories of aerobic exercise or those who have not consistently engaged in exercise. If we can identify beneficial associations between different types of exercise and cerebrovascular and mental health it will provide us with additional avenues to try and improve mental health and reduce age-related cognitive disease risk.
Data from this study helped us secure a multi-million dollar NIH grant from the National Institutes of Mental Health that will be starting early 2024!
Stay tuned for publications from this study!