Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Executive Functions in College Students: Evidence from Different Doses

Abstract

Different doses of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) may affect individuals' executive functions (EF). In this study, low-dose HIIT and moderate-dose HIIT were used to explore different doses of HIIT in terms of the impact on the EF of college students. All the participants were randomly divided into three groups. One group was not assigned any HIIT, which was called the control group. One group was assigned one session of HIIT/week, which was called the low-dose group. The last group was assigned wo sessions of HIIT/week, which was called the moderate-dose group. All groups were subjected to EF measurements. The first measurement comprised an EF a baseline measurement (Time 1) before the experiment began; the second measurement was taken (Time 2) after 6 weeks; the third measurement was taken (Time 3) after 12 weeks. Time 1: We found that there was no significant difference in EF among the groups (p > 0.05). Time 2: The moderate-dose group and low-dose group improved in terms of EF. However, the improvement effect was different, and the improvement effect of the moderate-dose group EF was better than that of the low-dose group. The second measurement, EF was better for all exercise groups than for the control group. Inhibition test (reaction time: 3.97-8.24%, p < 0.05, effect size: 0.413); cognitive flexibility (accuracy: 6.66-7.32%, p < 0.05, effect size: 0.203; reaction time: 5.55-7.49%, p < 0.05, effect size: 0.521); working memory (accuracy: 4.05-4.69%, p < 0.05, effect size: 0.515; reaction time: 2.73-5.42%, p < 0.05, effect size: 0.430). Time 3: the moderate-dose group and low-dose group showed a downward trend in terms of EF. Low-dose HIIT and moderate-dose HIIT improved the EF in college students, but moderate-dose HIIT was better. This study suggests that moderate-dose HIIT should be adopted to improve the EF in college students.