High-Intensity Interval Exercise Affects Explicit Sequential Motor Consolidation With Both Physical and Motor Imagery...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Sports Science
• Motor Learning

Background:

• High-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) is known to enhance motor skill consolidation after physical practice (PP).
• The impact of HIIE on motor sequence learning (MSL) consolidation, particularly when learned through physical practice (PP) or motor imagery practice (MI), remains under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of HIIE on the consolidation of an explicit MSL task acquired through PP or MI.
• To explore the underlying neurophysiological and biochemical mechanisms, including lactate and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, and corticospinal/intracortical excitability.

Main Methods:

• Forty-eight participants were randomized into four groups (PP+HIIE, PP+REST, MI+HIIE, MI+REST).
• MSL performance was assessed at baseline, post-acquisition, and after 24 hours and 7 days.
• Lactate, BDNF, corticospinal, and intracortical excitability were measured.

Main Results:

• Both PP and MI improved MSL acquisition, with PP showing superior performance.
• HIIE increased lactate and BDNF levels but did not alter corticospinal or intracortical excitability.
• HIIE significantly impaired MSL consolidation during both early and late phases for both PP and MI groups.

Conclusions:

• HIIE appears detrimental to the consolidation of explicit motor sequence learning, irrespective of the practice method (physical or imagery).
• The explicit nature of the MSL task likely contributes to HIIE-induced consolidation deficits.
• Consideration of task explicitness is crucial when integrating HIIE into motor learning optimization strategies for sports and clinical rehabilitation.