摘要：The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a high intensity interval training (HIIT) program on cognitive performance in young adults. Sixty college students (age, 18.55 ± 0.99 yrs, 82% female) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: (a) HIIT; and (b) CON. Both groups were evaluated for math and reading working memory as well as maximum oxygen consumption (VO_2 max) before and after a 4-wk period. The working memory tasks were performed via E-Prime® software and the VO_2 max scores were collected via a cycling test. The HIIT training sessions (~20 min) were conducted by trained instructors 3 times•wk~(-1) for 4 wks. Repeated measures ANOVA results with follow-up contrast testing indicated that HIIT, but not CON significantly (P<0.01) improved VO_2 max from pre-test to post-test (∆3.30 ± 0.10 mL•kg- 1 •min~(-1) ). Regarding cognitive performance, HIIT significantly (P<0.01) improved both math (∆4.30 ± 0.10) and reading working memory (∆1.30 ± 0.10). Correlations demonstrated that increases in VO_2 max change scores corresponded to increases in mathematic (r = .36, P<0.05) and reading (r = .40, P<0.05) working memory scores. Results demonstrated that HIIT improved working memory and that VO_2 max was responsible for enhancing cognition. This study provides support for designing HIIT based interventions aimed at improving cognitive functioning.
