INTRODUCTION: The Active Gains in Brain Using Exercise During Aging (AGUEDA) trial examined the effects of a 24 week resistance exercise (RE) intervention on executive function (EF) and other cognitive domains in cognitively normal older adults. METHODS: Ninety participants (mean age 71.8 years; 57.8% female) were randomized to an RE or control group. At baseline and 24 weeks, EF and other cognitive domains were assessed. RESULTS: The RE group showed significant improvements in overall EF (standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.39, 95% confidence interval 0.14 to 0.65), with no significant between-group difference (SMD 0.13, p = 0.37). The RE group showed a significant improvement in attentional/inhibitory control (SMD 0.43, p < 0.001) compared to the control group, while no effects were observed in other domains (all p > 0.12). Moderation by age, education, and subjective cognitive decline was observed. DISCUSSION: Although no overall EF benefit was observed, RE improved attentional/inhibitory control in cognitively normal older adults. RE may yield greater benefits in vulnerable subgroups. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05186090).

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