Interval Running Training Improves Cognitive Flexibility and Aerobic Power of Young Healthy Adults

Abstract

Venckunas, T, Snieckus, A, Trinkunas, E, Baranauskiene, N, Solianik, R, Juodsnukis, A, Streckis, V, and Kamandulis, S. Interval running training improves cognitive flexibility and aerobic power of young healthy adults. J Strength Cond Res 30(8): 2114-2121, 2016-The benefits of regular physical exercise may well extend beyond the reduction of chronic diseases risk and augmentation of working capacity, to many other aspects of human well-being, including improved cognitive functioning. Although the effects of moderate intensity continuous training on cognitive performance are relatively well studied, the benefits of interval training have not been investigated in this respect so far. The aim of the current study was to assess whether 7 weeks of interval running training is effective at improving both aerobic fitness and cognitive performance. For this purpose, 8 young dinghy sailors (6 boys and 2 girls) completed the interval running program with 200 m and 2,000 m running performance, cycling maximal oxygen uptake, and cognitive function was measured before and after the intervention. The control group consisted of healthy age-matched subjects (8 boys and 2 girls) who continued their active lifestyle and were tested in the same way as the experimental group, but did not complete any regular training. In the experimental group, 200 m and 2,000 m running performance and cycling maximal oxygen uptake increased together with improved results on cognitive flexibility tasks. No changes in the results of short-term and working memory tasks were observed in the experimental group, and no changes in any of the measured indices were evident in the controls. In conclusion, 7 weeks of interval running training improved running performance and cycling aerobic power, and were sufficient to improve the ability to adjust behavior to changing demands in young active individuals.

Effect of High Intensity Interval Training Compared to Continuous Training on Cognitive Performance in Young Healthy Adults: A Pilot Study

“…These findings support our second hypothesis that greater improvements in executive functioning will result from HIIT compared to MICE. The results of our study confirm certain results from the literature in children [35], adolescents [33], young adults [37], or the elderly who are healthy [34] or have had a stroke [36]. In addition, our results on the trail making task are consistent with those reported by Pallesen et al who reported an effect of intermittent high intensity training only on the Trail B and not on the Trail A [36].…”

“…Although these results are encouraging, there is no clear evidence that HIIT has a superior effect on cognitive function compared to MICE [16]. Recently, original studies have provided more responses with null [31,32] or positive results [33][34][35][36][37] in animal and human studies. Among the studies that achieved positive results, they only compared HIIT to active controls, and as such, the effects of exercise intensity per se were not examined.…”

Effects of Monomeric and Oligomeric Flavanols on Kidney Function, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Runners: A Randomized Double-Blind Pilot Study

“…Long-distance running is an increasingly practiced form of endurance exercise due to its beneficial effects on health and good accessibility for recreational athletes [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Running reduces cardiovascular risk, prevents development of type II diabetes, metabolic syndrome and neurodegenerative diseases [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. At the same time, participation in competitive running events puts significant strain on the organs of a human body.…”

Physical Activity versus Psychological Stress: Effects on Salivary Cortisol and Working Memory Performance

“…However, as shown, none of our evaluated exercise intensities changed working memory performance despite producing different sympathoadrenal activation (heart rate increase) and salivary cortisol increases (only VIG increased cortisol). In line with these results, some studies show that varying exercise intensities are not associated with working memory changes [39,40,41]. In contrast, other studies showed that moderate-intensity exercise [2,42,43] and vigorous-intensity [44,45] exercise may enhance working memory.…”