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High-Intensity Interval Training upon Cognitive and Psychological Outcomes in Youth: A Systematic Review.
Ana R Alves1,2,3, Renata Dias3, Henrique P Neiva2,4
1Department of Arts, Humanities and Sports, School of Education, Polytechnic Institute of Beja, 7800-295 Beja, Portugal.
Summary
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) significantly boosts cognitive functions like executive function and concentration in youth. This physical activity also enhances self-concept and psychological well-being, offering a valuable strategy against inactivity.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- The global rise in sedentary lifestyles necessitates effective physical activity interventions for youth.
- Physical activity is increasingly recognized for its potential to improve academic performance and cognitive functions in young populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on cognitive performance and psychological outcomes in youth.
- To synthesize evidence on the efficacy of HIIT as a strategy to combat inactivity and enhance youth development.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive database search was conducted across Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO for original research articles.
- Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, with risk of bias assessed using the Cochrane tool.
- Effect sizes (Cohen's d) were recalculated for all reported outcomes.
Main Results:
- HIIT interventions demonstrated significant improvements in various cognitive domains, including executive function (d = 0.75), concentration (d = 0.71), and selective attention (d = 0.81).
- Positive effects were also observed in linguistic reasoning (d = 0.25), non-verbal and verbal abilities (d = 0.88, 1.58), abstract reasoning (d = 0.75), and spatial/numerical abilities (d = 37.19, 1.20).
- Psychological outcomes showed improvements in self-concept (d = 0.28) and psychological well-being in both boys (d = 0.73) and girls (d = 0.39).
Conclusions:
- HIIT interventions, typically lasting 4-16 weeks with sessions of 8-30 minutes at ≥85% maximal heart rate, yield positive effects on cognitive and psychological outcomes in youth.
- These findings support HIIT as a time-efficient strategy to promote physical activity and enhance cognitive and emotional health in young individuals.
- Further research could explore optimal HIIT protocols for specific cognitive and psychological benefits in diverse youth populations.
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