Effects of Acute High-Intensity Interval Training on Information Processing Speed

Abstract

Kendall, BJ, Siekirk, NJ, and Lai, Q. Effects of acute high-intensity interval training on information processing speed. J Strength Cond Res 36(11): 3081–3086, 2022—This study investigated the effects of acute exercise on reaction time (RT), premotor time (i.e., central processing), and motor time (i.e., peripheral processing) using surface electromyography to fractionate RT. Fifty-eight young adults (27 men, 31 women) between the age of 18 and 40 years participated in 2 testing sessions. During visit one, subjects performed a simple RT task under regular (i.e., consistent timing) and irregular (i.e., variable timing) foreperiods. Subjects were then randomized to either an aerobic-only high-intensity interval training (HIIT) group (HIIT-A), an aerobic/resistance HIIT group (HIIT-AR), or a resting control group (CG). Both exercise groups performed a 20-minute, digital video disc-delivered HIIT exercise protocol. After exercise or rest, when controlling for cardiovascular fitness, no statistical differences were observed for the regular foreperiod conditions (p > 0.05). For the irregular foreperiod conditions, the HIIT-A group (M = 219.8, SE = 6.5) and the HIIT-AR group (M = 218.2, SE = 5.8) had significantly faster mean RTs than the CG (M = 248.1, SE = 8.1). In addition, the HIIT-A (M = 172.1, SE = 4.6) and HIIT-AR exercise groups (M = 171.3, SE = 4.8) had significantly faster mean PMTs than the CG (M = 189.7, SE = 5.7). These findings suggest that tasks dependent on central processing may benefit from an acute bout of exercise.

Acute effects of aerobic versus resistance exercises on cognitive function in individuals with intellectual disability

“…However, no study was conducted to investigate the effect of RE on RT or to compare the effects of these different exercise modalities in these individuals. In individuals with TD, both AE (Anders et al, 2021; Hsieh, Chang, Fang, & Hung, 2016) and RE (Kendall et al, 2021: Formenti et al, 2020) have been shown to produce RT enhancement. Although the explicative mechanisms were not explored in the current study, according to the literature, several explanations were proposed.…”

“…The rating of perceived exertion (RPE), heart rate (HR) and delta change percent of simple (SRT) and choice (CRT) reaction time values for the resistance exercise (RE), the aerobic exercise (AE) and the control session **: Significant difference between RE and AE at p < .001;**: Significant difference between RE and AE at p < 0.01; ###: Significant difference with the control session at p < .001; +++: Significant difference with the resting heart rate values at p < 0.001.F I G U R E 1 Simple reaction time (a) and choice reaction time (b) values (ms) before and after the resistance exercise (RE), the aerobic exercise (AE) and the control session; ***: Significant difference between before and after intervention at p < .001; ###: Significant difference with the control session at p < .001; + +: Significant difference between the RE and the AE at p < .01; +: Significant difference between the RE and the AE at p < .05 exercise modalities in these individuals. In individuals with TD, both AE(Anders et al, 2021; and RE(Kendall et al, 2021: Formenti et al, 2020 have been shown to produce RT enhancement. Although the explicative mechanisms were not explored in the current study, according to the literature, several explanations were proposed.…”

Effect of Intermittent Exercise on Performance in 3D Multiple Objects Tracking in Children, Young and Older Adults—A Pilot Study

“…Physical exercise positively impacts the body [1] and has several well-documented neurobiological effects, such as augmentations of brain vascularization and increases in proteins and neurotransmitters, which promote neurogenesis, neuronal survival, and angiogenesis overall brain volume enhancement [1,2]. High-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) has recently been shown to be an effective alternative to aerobic exercise programs, with positive effects on cognitive functions, such as information processing and response inhibition [3,4].…”