Exploring the Impact of High-Intensity Interval Training on Cognitive Functions-Muscle and Brain Interaction

Recent research highlights the relationship between physical activity and cognitive functions. It has been shown that aerobic and resistance exercises, including a wide range of intensity and duration, can evoke a positive impact on cognitive functions and mental health in various age groups. Also, high-intensity interval training (HIT) has been recognized as an exercise modality inducing desired adaptive changes at the level of physical performance (muscle) as well as cognitive functions (brain). Previous research has also shown HIT to be an effective strategy due to its minimal time commitment and significant multiple health benefits. The mechanism behind the cognitive function facilitation as a result of acute and chronic HIT may involve the induction of neurotransmitters, as well as the synthesis of neuroprotective factors and increased activation of brain areas critical for cognitive functioning. Moreover, HIT also causes robustly increased lactate production, recently identified as the "first myokine" modulating cerebral metabolism. Additionally, HIT may initially disrupt the redox balance where the moderate formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may act as a signaling mechanism, also improving cognitive functions. Although research supports the potential of HIT to improve cognitive function, challenges remain due to differences in exercise structure, duration, and intensity of HIT protocols as well as cognitive domains and cognitive testing timing that make it difficult to draw firm conclusions.To summarize, despite many variables that may influence differences in adaptive changes, existing research highlights the potential health benefits of HIT, also suggesting its effectiveness in enhancing human cognitive functions.