Acute Effects of Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise Versus HIIT on Cognitive Performance and Psychophysiological Responses in Physically Active Adults

Официальное название

Acute Effects of Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise Versus High-Intensity Interval Training on Cognitive Performance and Psychophysiological Responses in Physically Active Adults: A Randomized Crossover Study

Обзор

This study aims to compare the immediate effects of two common types of exercise-moderate-intensity continuous exercise and high-intensity interval training (HIIT)-on attention, alertness, and physiological responses in physically active young adults. Attention and mental alertness are essential for learning, academic performance, and daily functioning. Previous research suggests that a single session of exercise can temporarily improve cognitive performance, but it is not clear whether moderate exercise or high-intensity interval exercise is more effective in producing these immediate benefits. In this study, participants will complete two supervised treadmill exercise sessions on separate days: one session of moderate-intensity continuous exercise and one session of high-intensity interval training. The order of the two exercise sessions will be randomized, and there will be a rest period of 48 to 72 hours between sessions. Before and immediately after each exercise session, participants will complete computerized cognitive tests that measure sustained attention and reaction time. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, perceived exertion, mood, and alertness will also be measured to evaluate physiological and psychological responses to exercise. By comparing the effects of these two exercise approaches within the same individuals, this study aims to identify which type of exercise leads to better immediate cognitive performance and favorable physiological responses. The findings may help guide exercise recommendations for improving attention, alertness, and overall mental performance in young adults.

Подробное описание

This study is a randomized within-subject crossover clinical trial designed to compare the acute effects of moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on cognitive performance and psychophysiological responses in physically active young adults.

Each participant will complete two supervised treadmill exercise sessions-one MICE session and one HIIT session-on separate days, with a 48-72-hour washout period. The order of the two exercise conditions will be randomized using a computer-generated sequence. This crossover design allows each participant to serve as their own control, reducing inter-individual variability and increasing statistical power.

Cognitive performance will be assessed immediately before and after each exercise session using validated computerized tests of sustained attention and vigilance, including the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) and the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT). Primary cognitive outcomes will include reaction time, accuracy, response inhibition, and attentional lapses.

Psychophysiological responses will be monitored throughout the exercise sessions and immediately post-exercise. These include heart rate, oxygen saturation, rating of perceived exertion, mood, and alertness. Exercise intensity will be prescribed based on percentages of age-predicted maximum heart rate and continuously monitored to ensure protocol adherence and participant safety.

Data will be analyzed using within-subject statistical comparisons to evaluate differences between exercise conditions. The findings are expected to provide evidence on how acute exercise intensity influences immediate cognitive and physiological responses, informing exercise recommendations for optimizing attention and alertness in young adults.

Вмешательства

• Другое Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise (MICE)
  Participants perform continuous treadmill exercise for 20 minutes at 60-70% of age-predicted maximum heart rate. Each session includes a standardized warm-up period of approximately 3 minutes and a cool-down period of 2-3 minutes. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, and rating of perceived exertion are monitored throughout the session to ensure adherence to the target intensity and participant safety.
• Другое High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
  Participants perform treadmill-based high-intensity interval training consisting of repeated short bouts of exercise at 85-95% of age-predicted maximum heart rate, interspersed with brief recovery periods. Total session duration is approximately 20 minutes, including standardized warm-up and cool-down periods. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, and rating of perceived exertion are continuously monitored to ensure safety and protocol compliance.

Первичные конечные точки

• Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) Performance [Срок оценки: Immediately before each exercise session (within the same day for both intervention conditions)]
• Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) Performance [Срок оценки: immediately after each exercise session (within the same day for both intervention conditions)]
• Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) Performance [Срок оценки: Immediately before each exercise session (within the same day for both intervention conditions)]
• Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) Performance [Срок оценки: immediately after each exercise session (within the same day for both intervention conditions)]

Вторичные конечные точки (8)

• Heart Rate Response During and After Exercise [Срок оценки: During each exercise session]
• Heart Rate Response During and After Exercise [Срок оценки: Immediately after each exercise session]
• Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂) Response [Срок оценки: During each exercise session]
• Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂) Response [Срок оценки: Immediately after each exercise session]
• Rating of Perceived Exertion Assessed by the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale (6-20) [Срок оценки: During each exercise session]
• Rating of Perceived Exertion Assessed by the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale (6-20) [Срок оценки: Immediately after each exercise session]
• Mood and Alertness Assessed by Numeric Rating Scales (0-10) [Срок оценки: Immediately before each exercise session]
• Mood and Alertness Assessed by Numeric Rating Scales (0-10) [Срок оценки: Immediately after each exercise session]

Критерии участия

Критерии включения

• Aged between 18 and 30 years.
• Physically active individuals, as assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).
• In good general health.
• Cleared for physical activity participation based on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q).
• Enrolled as university students.
• Able and willing to provide written informed consent.

Критерии исключения

• History of cardiovascular, neurological, or musculoskeletal disorders that may affect exercise safety or cognitive performance.
• Presence of uncontrolled hypertension, recent concussion, or any medical condition contraindicating exercise.
• Use of medications that may influence cognition, mood, or cardiovascular responses.
• Pregnancy.
• Failure to pass PAR-Q screening without medical clearance.
• Heavy smoking or history of substance abuse.
• Visual or hearing impairments that could interfere with computerized cognitive task performance.

Критерии приведены из реестра в оригинале (на английском). Окончательную оценку соответствия проводит исследовательский центр.

Здоровые добровольцы: Да

Дизайн исследования

Распределение

Рандомизированное

Модель

Перекрёстный дизайн

Маскирование

Простое слепое

Основная цель

Фундаментальное исследование

Центры проведения

Саудовская Аравия · 1 центр

• Qassim University — Buraidah

Публикации

• Nanda B, Balde J, Manjunatha S. The Acute Effects of a Single Bout of Moderate-intensity Aerobic Exercise on Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adult Males. J Clin Diagn Res. 2013 Sep;7(9):1883-5. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2013/5855.3341. Epub 2013 Sep 10. PMID 24179888
• Pujari V. Moving to Improve Mental Health - The Role of Exercise in Cognitive Function: A Narrative Review. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2024 Feb;16(Suppl 1):S26-S30. doi: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_614_23. Epub 2024 Feb 29. PMID 38595617
• Singh B, Bennett H, Miatke A, Dumuid D, Curtis R, Ferguson T, Brinsley J, Szeto K, Petersen JM, Gough C, Eglitis E, Simpson CE, Ekegren CL, Smith AE, Erickson KI, Maher C. Effectiveness of exercise for improving cognition, memory and executive function: a systematic umbrella review and meta-meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2025 Jun 3;59(12):866-876. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2024-108589. PMID 40049759
• Olivo G, Nilsson J, Garzon B, Lebedev A, Wahlin A, Tarassova O, Ekblom M, Lovden M. Immediate effects of a single session of physical exercise on cognition and cerebral blood flow: A randomized controlled study of older adults. Neuroimage. 2021 Jan 15;225:117500. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117500. Epub 2020 Oct 24. PMID 33169699
• Yildirim MS, Guclu-Gunduz A, Ozkul C, Korkmaz S. Investigating the acute effect of low and moderate intensity aerobic exercise on whole-body task learning and cognition in young adults. Eur J Neurosci. 2024 Sep;60(6):5203-5216. doi: 10.1111/ejn.16504. Epub 2024 Aug 13. PMID 39136270
• Basso JC, Suzuki WA. The Effects of Acute Exercise on Mood, Cognition, Neurophysiology, and Neurochemical Pathways: A Review. Brain Plast. 2017 Mar 28;2(2):127-152. doi: 10.3233/BPL-160040. PMID 29765853

Идентификаторы

NCT: NCT07400432 · QU 10-20-26

Первоисточники (государственные реестры)

• ClinicalTrials.gov (NIH, США)

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