ADVERTISEMENT
Older Adults and Brain Fitness
Comparative analysis reveals most effective short-term method for making cognitive improvements.
By Shirley Archer, JD, MA
Jan 25, 2021
Numerous studies demonstrate that cardiovascular exercise boosts brain fitness. New findings from Canadian and French researchers show that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) improves executive function more than moderate-intensity, continuous aerobic training (MICT) or resistance training (RT) over a 6-week training period.
Investigators conducted the study with 69 healthy, active older adults ages 61–75, collecting data on cardiorespiratory fitness and cognitive testing. Researchers divided subjects into three training groups: MICT, RT and HIIT. Cognitive tests measured processing speed in three distinct tasks—naming, interference and switching.
Data analysis showed that both HIIT and MICT participants improved cardiorespiratory fitness. Those who participated in HIIT, however, improved significantly in the “switching” cognitive task, demonstrating progress in flexible thinking. Researchers concluded that HIIT enhanced executive function improvements in the short term and noted that a study conducted over a longer period of time might reveal more benefits from other training intensity levels.
Find the study in Brain Sciences (2020; 10 [11], 796).
1 Comment
Leave a Comment
When you buy something using the retail links in our content, we may earn a small commission. IDEA Health and Fitness Association does not accept money for editorial reviews. Read more about our Terms & Conditions and our Privacy Policy.
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Articles
HIIT Back on Sleep Loss Effects
Vigorous Exercise Benefits Older Adults
High-Intensity Functional Resistance Training for Older Adults
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Stay up tp date with our latest news and products.
Can you direct on the path to finding the exercise machines and so forth, please.