High-intensity training enhances executive function in children in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Exercise-induced cognitive improvements have traditionally been observed following aerobic exercise interventions; that is, sustained sessions of moderate intensity. Here, we tested the effect of a 6 week high-intensity training (HIT) regimen on measures of cognitive control and working memory in a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:eLife 2017-08, Vol.6
Main Authors: Moreau, David, Kirk, Ian J, Waldie, Karen E
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Aerobics
Animal cognition
BDNF
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor - genetics
Child
Children
Clinical trials
Cognitive ability
cognitive enhancement
cognitive training
Executive Function
Exercise
Genotype
high-intensity training
Homozygotes
Humans
Intervention
Medicine
Memory
Motivation
neurogenetics
Neuroscience
physical exercise
Physical fitness
Physiology
Placebos - administration & dosage
Short term memory
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Summary:Exercise-induced cognitive improvements have traditionally been observed following aerobic exercise interventions; that is, sustained sessions of moderate intensity. Here, we tested the effect of a 6 week high-intensity training (HIT) regimen on measures of cognitive control and working memory in a multicenter, randomized (1:1 allocation), placebo-controlled trial. 318 children aged 7-13 years were randomly assigned to a HIT or an active control group matched for enjoyment and motivation. In the primary analysis, we compared improvements on six cognitive tasks representing two cognitive constructs ( = 305). Secondary outcomes included genetic data and physiological measurements. The 6-week HIT regimen resulted in improvements on measures of cognitive control [BF = 3.38, = 0.31 (0.09, 0.54)] and working memory [BF = 5233.68, = 0.54 (0.31, 0.77)], moderated by genotype, with met carriers showing larger gains post-exercise than val homozygotes. This study suggests a promising alternative to enhance cognition, via short and potent exercise regimens. Funded by Centre for Brain Research. NCT03255499.
ISSN:2050-084X
2050-084X
DOI:10.7554/elife.25062