Association between baseline handgrip strength and cognitive function assessed before and after a 12-week resistance exercise intervention among community-living older adults

•Our study found that baseline grip strength was strongly associated with cognitive function before and after the 12-week resistance training intervention.•Grip strength could be a strong indicator for cognitive function among healthy community-living older adults in exercise intervention.•Baseline grip strength is an important factor in determining the effectiveness of physical activity programs for physical function as well as cognitive function among community-dwelling older adults.