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- Title
High-intensity training enhances executive function in children in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
- Authors
Moreau, David; Kirk, Ian J.; Waldie, Karen E.
- Abstract
Background: Exercise-induced cognitive improvements have traditionally been observed following aerobic exercise interventions; that is, sustained sessions of moderate intensity. Here, we tested the effect of a 6 week high-intensity training (HIT) regimen on measures of cognitive control and working memory in a multicenter, randomized (1:1 allocation), placebo-controlled trial. Methods: 318 children aged 7-13 years were randomly assigned to a HIT or an active control group matched for enjoyment and motivation. In the primary analysis, we compared improvements on six cognitive tasks representing two cognitive constructs (N = 305). Secondary outcomes included genetic data and physiological measurements. Results: The 6-week HIT regimen resulted in improvements on measures of cognitive control [BFM = 3.38, g = 0.31 (0.09, 0.54)] and working memory [BFM = 5233.68, g = 0.54 (0.31, 0.77)], moderated by BDNF genotype, with met66 carriers showing larger gains post-exercise than val66 homozygotes. Conclusion: This study suggests a promising alternative to enhance cognition, via short and potent exercise regimens.
- Subjects
PHYSICAL training &; conditioning; EXECUTIVE function; RANDOMIZED controlled trials; PLACEBOS; PEDIATRIC neuropsychology
- Publication
eLife, 2017, p1
- ISSN
2050-084X
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.7554/eLife.25062.001