Comparing Strength and Functional Training: Effects on Cognitive Performance and Brain Connectivity in Young Adults

Motivation: We explored how resistance training affects cognition and neural connectivity, with a focus on the effects of strength (ST) and function (FT) training. Goal(s): To compare the effect of ST and FT on memory, physical ability, and brain functional connectivity. Approach: Thirty university students were assigned to either ST or FT. Over six weeks, participants completed strength, memory, and rsfMRI assessments at pre-intervention and post-intervention. Results: The FT group showed enhanced physical performance and increased functional connectivity within key brain networks (aDMN, SLN, SMN, Executive Network) relative to ST, highlighting FT's potential advantage in promoting neural connectivity. Impact: This study demonstrates that functional training significantly enhances brain connectivity, suggesting targeted exercise strategies for cognitive resilience. It opens new avenues to explore how exercise-induced neural changes support movement and memory, potentially informing rehabilitation for cognitive and motor disorders.