Abstract
intensity interval training (HIIT) is considered one of the most e ective methods for improving cardiorespiratory and metabolic functions. However, it is necessary to clarify their e ects on neurophysiological responses and coginitive functioning. Thus, this study aimed to determine the e ects of an acute bout of HIIT on neurocognitive and stress-related biomarkers and their association with working memory (WM) capacity in healthy young adults. Twenty- ve male college students performed a single bout of HIIT consisting of 10 1 min of cycling at their VO2 peak power output. Plasma Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and cortisol (CORT) levels, and WM (Digit Span Test (DST)), were assessed pre-, post- and 30 min post-intervention. Signi cant post-exercise increases in circulating BDNF and CORT levels were observed coinciding with the highest DST performance; however, no statistical associations were found between cognitive and neurophysiological variables. Moreover, DST scores obtained 30 min after exercise remained higher than those assessed at pre-exercise. In conclusion, the stress induced by a single bout of HIIT induces a remarkable response of BDNF and CORT boosting WM capacity in healthy young males. Future research should clarify the association between cognitive and neurobiological markers during intense exercise stimulation. Keywords:exercise; HIIT; neurotrophins; stress responses; cognition; executive functions 1. Introduction High-intensity interval training (HIIT), which involves alternating bouts of intensive exercise with low-intensity or passive recovery periods [1,2], has been considered one of the most e ective methods for improving cardiorespiratory and metabolic functions [3]. Thus, the use of HIIT to enhance health-related outcomes has recently generated new interest [4,5]. However, little information about the e ects of HIIT
Description
This study examines the effects of HIIT on cognitive functioning and stress biomarkers.