Resistance Training and White Matter Lesion Progression in Older Women: Exploratory Analysis of a 12-Month Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectivesTo assess whether resistance training (RT) slows the progression of white matter lesions (WMLs) in older women. DesignSecondary analysis of a 52-week randomized controlled trial of RT, the Brain Power Study. SettingCommunity center and research center. ParticipantsOf 155 community-dwelling women aged 65 to 75 enrolled in the Brain Power Study, 54 who had evidence of WMLs on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline were included in this secondary analysis. InterventionParticipants were randomized to once-weekly RT (1x RT), twice-weekly RT (2x RT), or twice-weekly balance and tone (BAT). Assessors were blinded to participant assignments. MeasurementsWML volume was measured using MRI at baseline and trial completion. ResultsAt trial completion, the 2x RT group had significantly lower WML volume than the BAT group (P=.03). There was no significant difference between the BAT group and the 1x RT group at trial completion (P=.77). Among participants in the two RT groups, reduced WML progression over 12months was significantly associated with maintenance of gait speed (correlation coefficient (r)=-0.31, P=.049) but not with executive functions (r=0.30; P=.06). ConclusionEngaging in progressive RT may reduce WML progression.