Effects of high-intensity interval exercise and moderate-intensity continuous exercise on executive function of healthy young males

Abstract Purpose This study compared the executive function (EF) performance induced by moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) versus high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE), under two exercise modalities (i.e., running vs. cycling), and explored whether the changes in EF performance were related to the hemodynamics response of the cerebral prefrontal area of the brain. Methods In a randomized cross-over design, 16 male participants completed 4 main trials, i.e., 40 min of moderate-intensity continuous running (MICR) or cycling (MICC) with 60% maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), 33 min of high-intensity interval running (HIIR) or cycling (HIIC). For HIIR or HIIC trials, the exercise intensity was 60% VO2max for the first 5 min, followed by four 4-minute bouts of exercise at 90% VO2max, separated by 3-minute active recovery at 60% VO2max. EF was assessed via the Eriksen Flanker task (EFT) before (Pre), immediately after (Post 0), and 10 min after exercise (Post 10). Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) measured oxygenated hemoglobin (O2Hb) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (HHb) concentrations in the prefrontal area. Each main trial measured the concentrations of blood glucose and lactate, heart rate, and rate of perceived exertion. Results (1) Compared to the reaction time in EFT during the pretest, the corresponding reaction time was shorter at Post 10 (P Conclusion Compared to the pretest, EF was greater after the 10-minute rest during recovery but not immediately after exercise. The different HIIE or MICE protocols adopted in the present study may elicit minor differences regarding their effects on EF.