The Effects of High-intensity Functional Training (HIFT) on Spatial Learning, Visual Pattern Separation and Attention Span in Adolescents.

Tavor Ben-Zeev,Tamir Hirsh,Eitan Okun,Michael Gornstein,Inbal Weiss

doi:10.3389/fnbeh.2020.577390

Abstract

Aerobic, anaerobic, and strength exercises are known to improve various cognitive functions, such as executive functions, pattern separation, and working memory. High-intensity functional training (HIFT) is a form of physical activity that can be modified to any fitness level and elicits greater muscle recruitment than repetitive aerobic exercises, thereby improving cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility. HIFT emphasizes functional, multi-joint movements via high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and muscle-strengthening exercises. It is yet unknown, however, whether HIFT affects cognitive functions in adolescents. To address this question, we subjected adolescents to 3 × 20 min training sessions/week of HIFT for 3 months. The effects of HIFT were tested on performance in: (1) virtual reality (VR)-based spatial learning task; (2) computerized visual pattern separation; and (3) attention span. The control group performed a typical physical class three times per week. The effects on cognition were tested at baseline and following 3 months of HIFT. Three months into the intervention, the HIFT group achieved higher scores in the spatial learning task, pattern separation task, and in the attention span test, compared with controls. These data suggest that HIFT can potentially translate into improving school performance in adolescents.

Highlights

It is well established that aerobic exercise improves various cognitive functions in humans, such as executive functions, pattern separation, and neuronal plasticity (Ploughman, 2008; Holzschneider et al, 2012; Barak et al, 2015)
The test measures cognitive functions related to attention and executive functions
There is a large body of evidence for the positive effect of different types of exercise on cognitive function in animals and humans alike (Ploughman, 2008; Barak et al, 2015; Tsukamoto et al, 2016). while the combined effect of strength exercise and high-intensity aerobic training on cognitive abilities was not yet examined

Summary

Introduction

It is well established that aerobic exercise improves various cognitive functions in humans, such as executive functions, pattern separation, and neuronal plasticity (Ploughman, 2008; Holzschneider et al, 2012; Barak et al, 2015). An even greater range of cognitive domains was found to be affected by exercise in studies involving rodents (Aguiar et al, 2011; Lee et al, 2012). Findings in human studies are consistent with research in rodents, suggesting that physical activity may provide lasting benefits for brain structure and function (Voss et al, 2013). Aerobic exercise improves hippocampal memory tasks such as visuospatial memory for relationships between landmarks on maps (Woost et al, 2018). It is believed that the mammalian brain exhibits persistent plasticity throughout all stages of life (Déry et al, 2015).

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