Effects of High Intensity Interval Training on Executive Function in Children Aged 8–12 Years

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of a high intensity interval training (HIIT) program on both physical fitness and executive functions in children. Fifty-six children aged 8–12 years participated in this study, and were divided into a HIIT group and a control group. The HIIT group performed three sessions of the 8- to 10-min HIIT program per week for 4 weeks. Before and after the intervention, 20-m shuttle runs, sit-ups, and standing long jumps were assessed as test of physical fitness. In addition, the executive function was assessed using the digit span forward (DSF) test, digit span backward (DSB) test, and Tower of Hanoi test. Only the HIIT group experienced significant improvement when completing the 20-m shuttle run (p = 0.042) and sit-ups (p < 0.001). Regarding executive function, the number of correct answers in DSB test significantly increased only in the HIIT group (p = 0.003). However, the standing long jump, DSF, and the Tower of Hanoi test performance did not change after intervention. The findings of the present study suggest that HIIT has positive effects on a core executive function such as working memory in addition to components of the physical fitness such as cardiorespiratory endurance and muscular endurance.

Systematic review of the acute and chronic effects of high-intensity interval training on executive function across the lifespan

“…To date, there is no study investigating the moderating role of WRR of HIIT in other subcomponents of executive function (i.e., working memory, cognitive flexibility) or research that modulates the WRR to determine why this factor may moderate the benefits to cognitive outcomes. In terms of the chronic effects of HIIT, the current evidence suggests that both sprint-based and HICT-based interventions may benefit inhibition and working memory in children (Moreau et al, 2017;Tottori et al, 2019). Moreover, it is possible that children's BDNF profile moderates the effectiveness of HIIT on inhibition and working memory, with BDNF met66 carriers benefiting more from HIIT relative to non-carriers (Moreau et al, 2017).…”

Is High-Intensity Interval Training Suitable to Promote Neuroplasticity and Cognitive Functions after Stroke?

“…In healthy children, a 4-week HIIT program enhances working memory, as observed with the digit span forward and the Tower of Hanoi test performance without modifying other cognitive tasks [ 110 ]. Otherwise, most studies have used a single session of HIIT protocols to detect the respective effects of HIIT on neuroplasticity and cognition.…”

Analysis of high-intensity physical activity biological feasibility within the framework of children health training

“…A significant increase in cognitive abilities and indicators of speed and power endurance is shown. Researchers note the prospect of introducing HIIT protocols into the school curriculum for physical education due to its effectiveness and short duration of classes in relation to moderateintensity training [23].…”