Speakers - 2026

Title: Chronic Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Executive Function During a Go/NoGo Task: Comparisons of Event-Related Potentials and Reaction Time

Abstract

Aim:
Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise improves attentional function during cognitive tasks. More recently, studies have also reported acute cognitive benefits following high-intensity interval training (HIIT). However, the chronic effects of these aerobic exercise modalities on cognitive function remain unclear. Therefore, this study examined whether 3 months of HIIT or moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) would produce chronic improvements in executive function.

Methods:
Twenty-four healthy university students participated in this study and were assigned to either a HIIT group (n = 12) or an MICT group (n = 12). The HIIT protocol consisted of four 90-s bouts of high-intensity interval running at 90% of maximum heart rate (HRmax), whereas the MICT protocol consisted of 30 min of moderate-intensity jogging at 75% HRmax. Both groups performed their assigned exercise program three times per week for 3 months. Before and after the intervention, participants completed assessments of maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) and reaction time during a bilateral selective Go/NoGo task. During task performance, EEGs were recorded at Fz, Cz, and Pz to analyze P3 event-related potentials.

Results:
Neither group showed significant changes in VO₂max after the intervention. Reaction time significantly decreased in the HIIT group, whereas the MICT group showed no significant change. In contrast, neither intervention produced significant changes in Go-P3 or NoGo-P3 amplitudes or latencies.

Conclusion:
These findings suggest that neither exercise intervention improved attentional processing of stimuli. However, HIIT may facilitate chronic improvements in behavioral aspects of executive function.