High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has gained popularity in recent years for its ability to deliver significant fitness benefits in a short amount of time. However, a new study published in the journal Neurology suggests that the cognitive benefits of HIIT may extend far beyond just physical fitness. Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center found that the cognitive benefits of HIIT may last for years, providing yet another reason to incorporate this form of exercise into your routine.
The study, which involved 37 adults between the ages of 56 and 75, divided the participants into three groups: one group that did HIIT, another that did moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), and a control group that did not exercise. The HIIT group performed three 20-minute sessions per week, consisting of four minutes of high-intensity exercise followed by three minutes of recovery. The MICT group performed 45 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise four times a week.
After 12 weeks, the researchers found that both the HIIT and MICT groups showed improvements in cardiovascular fitness. However, only the HIIT group showed significant improvements in cognitive function, specifically in executive function and processing speed. What was even more surprising was that these cognitive benefits were still present one year later, suggesting that the effects of HIIT on cognitive function may be long-lasting.
Executive function refers to a set of mental skills that help you get things done, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. Processing speed, on the other hand, refers to how quickly you can take in and respond to information. Both of these cognitive functions tend to decline with age, but the results of this study suggest that HIIT may help to mitigate this decline.
So, what is it about HIIT that makes it so effective for cognitive function? One theory is that the intense bursts of exercise in HIIT stimulate the release of certain chemicals in the brain, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is known to promote the growth of new brain cells and improve cognitive function. Additionally, HIIT has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, which in turn can benefit brain health by increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain.
In conclusion, the findings of this study provide further evidence of the numerous benefits of HIIT, beyond just physical fitness. If you’re looking to not only improve your cardiovascular health but also boost your cognitive function, incorporating HIIT into your exercise routine may be a wise choice. And the best part? The cognitive benefits of HIIT may last for years, making it a valuable investment in your long-term brain health.
