High-Intensity Interval Training for Cognitive and Mental Health in Adolescents

TLDR

Emerging literature indicates that physical activity and fitness can positively influence cognitive and mental health in adolescents. The study evaluated the efficacy of two high‑intensity interval training protocols on executive function, psychological well‑being, distress, and self‑concept in adolescents. Participants completed 8‑10‑minute HIIT sessions three times weekly for eight weeks, with pre‑ and post‑intervention assessments of executive function, well‑being, distress, and self‑concept analyzed via linear mixed models. Although not statistically significant, both HIIT protocols produced modest gains in executive function and well‑being, with the resistance‑and‑aerobic group showing a moderate executive‑function improvement and the aerobic group achieving significant pre‑to‑post feeling‑state gains, suggesting HIIT may benefit adolescent cognitive and mental health.

Abstract

Emerging literature suggests that physical activity and fitness may have a positive effect on cognitive and mental health in adolescents. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of two high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols for improving cognitive and mental health outcomes (executive function, psychological well-being, psychological distress, and physical self-concept) in adolescents.Participants (n = 65; mean age = 15.8 ± 0.6 yr) were randomized to three conditions: aerobic exercise program (AEP; n = 21), resistance and aerobic program (RAP; n = 22), and control (n = 22). HIIT sessions (8-10 min per session) were delivered during physical education lessons or at lunchtime three times per week for 8 wk. Assessments were conducted at baseline and immediately postintervention to detect changes in executive function (trail making test), psychological well-being, psychological distress, and physical self-description by researchers blinded to treatment allocation. Intervention effects were examined using linear mixed models. Cohen's d effect sizes and clinical inference were also calculated.While results were not significant, small improvements in executive function (mean change (95% CI) -6.69 (-22.03, 8.64), d = -0.32) and psychological well-being (mean change (95% CI) 2.81 (-2.06, 7.68), d = 0.34) were evident in the AEP group; and moderate improvements in executive function (mean change (95% CI) -10.73 (-26.22, 4.76), d = -0.51), and small improvements in well-being (mean change (95% CI) 2.96 (-1.82, 7.75), d = 0.36) and perceived appearance (mean change (95% CI) 0.32 (-0.25, 0.86), d = 0.35), were observed for the RAP group. Mean feeling state scores improved from preworkout to postworkout in both HIIT conditions, with significant results for the AEP (P = 0.001).This study highlights the potential of embedding HIIT within the school day for improving cognitive and mental health among adolescents.