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

Abstract

Research regarding the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on executive function has grown exponentially in recent years. However, there has been no comprehensive review of the current state of literature. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to summarize previous research regarding the acute and chronic effects of HIIT on executive function across the lifespan and highlight future research directions. The results indicated that acute bouts of HIIT has a positive effect on inhibition in children/ adolescents and adults, and further that chronic HIIT benefits inhibition and working memory in children. More research employing chronic interventions, focusing on middle-aged and older adults, and examining the effects on the working memory and cognitive flexibility domains of executive function are needed. Future research should also focus on a) the use of stronger research designs, b) the effects of HIIT dosage/modality, c) consideration of individual differences, d) possible underlying mechanisms, and e) examining the feasibility of translating HIIT to real-word settings.

Evidence-Based Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Exercise Capacity and Health: A Review with Historical Perspective

“…VO 2max [37], endurance capacity [38,39], resting metabolic rate [40], substrate metabolism [41,42], body composition [43], insulin sensitivity [44,45], and cognitive functions [46][47][48]. Besides, interval training has been shown to decrease the risk for cardiovascular diseases [15,25], breast cancer [49], metabolic syndrome [50], osteoarthritis [51,52], and rheumatoid arthritis known to cause lower back pain [53][54][55][56][57] (Figure 1).…”

“…Due to its time-saving nature and the induced physiological adaptations similar to MICT, HIIT has been ranked first in 2018 [ 35 ] and third in 2019 in Worldwide Fitness Trends [ 36 ]. Growing evidence-based research, both original research and meta-analysis studies, shows that interval training programs ranging from 5 days to 12 months are effective in improving O 2max [ 37 ], endurance capacity [ 38 , 39 ], resting metabolic rate [ 40 ], substrate metabolism [ 41 , 42 ], body composition [ 43 ], insulin sensitivity [ 44 , 45 ], and cognitive functions [ 46 , 47 , 48 ]. Besides, interval training has been shown to decrease the risk for cardiovascular diseases [ 15 , 25 ], breast cancer [ 49 ], metabolic syndrome [ 50 ], osteoarthritis [ 51 , 52 ], and rheumatoid arthritis known to cause lower back pain [ 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 ] ( Figure 1 ).…”

“…Most studies that existed in the literature consist of HIIT protocols that were performed once daily, every other day [ 44 , 47 , 75 , 98 , 100 , 125 ]. However, some studies also investigated the physiological effects of HIIT performed twice-a-day [ 93 ].…”

Sustained Effects of High-Intensity Interval Exercise and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise on Inhibitory Control

“…Using a modified flanker task, Kao et al [ 21 ] showed that the RT of inhibitory control generally declined after MICE (20 min acute activity) and HIIE (9 min acute activity), compared with resting; however, only HIIE improved accuracy when the demand of the inhibitory control task increased. Thus, HIIE represents an effective intervention strategy for improving inhibitory control [ 40 ].…”

Effects of high intensity interval exercise on cerebrovascular function: A systematic review

“…A review and meta-analysis of HIIE in healthy adults has shown significant increases in aerobic fitness [1,5,6,11]. Preliminary evidence has also shown HIIE may improve cognitive function [12]. However, the effects of HIIE on cerebrovascular function have not been systematically reviewed.…”