The Effects of High-Intensity Functional Training on Cognition in Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review

Abstract

(1) Background: High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) is a new exercise modality that emphasizes multi-joint functional movements adaptable to any fitness level and promotes greater muscle recruitment. Previous studies have evaluated the positive effects of HIFT on mental and cognitive health but have not evaluated it in older people. This study aims to conduct a systematic review of randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of HIFT on general cognition in older adults with cognitive impairment. (2) Methods: Following the PRISMA 2020 guideline, articles that did a high-intensity functional physical exercise intervention on cognitive performance in older adults with mild to moderate cognitive impairment (MMSE > 10) or dementia, aged 55 years or older, published between 2011 and 2021 in five different electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, and Cochrane plus were included. (3) Results: 7 articles were included, all having general cognition as their primary outcome. All assessed general cognition using the Mini-Mental State Examination, the ADAS-Cog, or both. All studies had at least one HIFT experimental group with a frequency of 2 sessions per week and a variable duration between protocols of 12, 13, 16, and 26 weeks. Two articles showed that a progressive HIFT program improves general cognition, four articles showed no significant changes within or between groups and one article concluded that a HIFT intervention does not slow cognitive decline. (4) Conclusions: Evidence exists of the benefits of HIFT on general cognition in older adults with cognitive impairment, assessed using the MMSE, the ADAS-cog, or both. Two articles that showed improvement in cognitive function used progressive HIFT with 80% RM at 6, 12, and 1 weeks; however, in the other articles, due to the heterogeneity of intervention protocols, measurement time points, and control group activities, mixed results were evidenced

Enhancing Cognition in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment through High-Intensity Functional Training: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

“…This could explain the lack of significant differences in processing speed since the duration of the study was 12 weeks. It should be highlighted that, although there is evidence of the benefits of HIFT on cognition, due to the heterogeneity of the intervention protocols, it is still necessary to generate more research to determine the dose-response that guarantees the effectiveness of the interventions in relation to all the components of cognition [ 20 ].…”

“…One training method that has gained particular attention is the high-intensity and short-duration training, known as High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) or its variant High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT), which, unlike HIIT, focuses on the execution of multi-joint exercises with a functional approach that can be adapted to any level of physical condition [ 16 ]. HIFT programs have already been shown to be useful as a means of improving gait speed, strength, quality of life, muscle function and metabolic performance [ 17 , 18 , 19 ], among others in different populations, but their effects on cognition in older adults with MCI are still unclear [ 20 ]. Therefore, this study seeks to determine the effects of HIFT on different variables associated with cognition in Colombian older adults with MCI.…”

Efectividad de los ejercicios nórdicos sobre la incidencia de lesiones de isquiotibiales en futbolistas profesionales y amateur masculinos entre los 15 y 41 años. Revisión sistemática

“…La escala de PEDro está compuesta por 11 Items, de los cuales 10 son calificables como SI (1) y NO (0) para una puntuación máxima de 10 puntos. Un artículo se considera "excelente" cuando presenta una puntuación >9, "bueno" de 6 a 8 puntos, "justo" entre 4 y 5 y "pobre" cuando la calificación es <3 (19).…”

Effects of functional training on muscle strength, jumping, and functional movement screen in wushu athletes: A systematic review

“…Currently, one systematic review and analysis studied the effects of functional training interventions on cognitive ability [ 55 ], muscle strength, balance, agile, and daily living activities in the elderly [ 56 ], physical fitness of athletes [ 57 ], spring, jumping, functional movement, 58 cardiorespiratory parameters, endurance [ 58 ], characterisation of hormonal, metabolic, and inflammatory responses [ 59 ], sense of community, satisfaction, and motivation, 61 precedence of injuries [ 60 ], and injury risk [ 50 , [61] , [62] , [63] ]. However, no comprehensive study has evaluated the impact of functional training interventions on wushu athletes’ muscle strength, jumping, and functional movement screen.…”