The effects of high-intensity interval training on cognitive performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 39738783 · doi:10.1038/s41598-024-83802-9
What was done
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 randomized controlled trials searched across PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCO. The authors evaluated the effects of high-intensity interval training on information processing, executive function, and memory, including subgroup analyses by participant age and intervention duration.
What was found
High-intensity interval training significantly improved executive function (SMD = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.26 to 0.50, P < 0.00001), information processing (SMD = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.52, P = 0.0005), and memory (SMD = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.35, P = 0.004). Subgroup analyses showed executive function improved across all age groups and intervention durations (acute, under 8 weeks, and over 8 weeks). Memory improved in individuals aged 30 to 60 and in interventions lasting under 8 weeks or over 8 weeks. Information processing improved only in adults aged 60 and above and in interventions lasting over 8 weeks.
Why it matters
High-intensity interval training yields small-to-moderate improvements in cognitive performance, with chronic interventions lasting longer than 8 weeks showing benefits across all evaluated cognitive domains.
Limits
The abstract does not report the total participant sample size, exercise modality and intensity parameters, or the specific cognitive tests used across the included trials.
Cited by
- supports A 10-minute high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout has been shown to improve cognition.