No changes in corticospinal excitability, biochemical markers, and working memory after six weeks of high-intensity interval training in sedentary males

Physiol Rep, 2019 · DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14140 · Published: July 1, 2019

Neurology Neuroplasticity Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigated the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on brain function in sedentary young men. The researchers looked at changes in brain excitability, biochemical markers, and working memory after six weeks of HIIT. The study found that while HIIT improved cardiorespiratory fitness, it did not change brain excitability, levels of certain biochemical markers (BDNF, IGF-1, cathepsin B), or working memory capacity. However, they did observe a reduction in intracortical facilitation. These findings suggest that while HIIT is beneficial for physical fitness, it may not have significant effects on certain aspects of brain function in sedentary young men over a relatively short period.

Study Duration

6 weeks

Participants

18 healthy, sedentary young males

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
HIIT significantly increased cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in sedentary males after 6 weeks.
2
The increase in fitness was not paralleled by changes in corticospinal excitability, SICI or serum levels of BDNF, IGF-1, total CTSB, and pro-CTSB.
3
Gains in fitness were accompanied by a reduction in intracortical facilitation (ICF).

Research Summary

This study investigated the impact of HIIT on brain excitability, biochemical markers, and working memory in sedentary young males. Eighteen participants underwent 6 weeks of HIIT, and various measurements were taken before and after the intervention. The results showed a significant increase in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) following HIIT. However, corticospinal excitability, SICI, serum levels of BDNF, IGF-1, total CTSB, pro-CTSB, and working memory capacity remained unchanged. Intracortical facilitation (ICF) was reduced after the HIIT intervention, and an association was found between fitness gains and total and pro-CTSB levels. These findings suggest that HIIT primarily impacts physical fitness with limited effects on the measured neural and biochemical parameters in this population.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategies

Exercise may not be enough, need neurological or cognitive rehabilitation.

Individualized exercise programs

Val/Val genotype may be involved in modulating the effects of exercise on brain plasticity, structure, and function and that individualized programs might be important to maximize the beneficial effects of exercise.

HIIT for Fitness

HIIT is an alternative to high-volume training in rehabilitative settings.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of a control group to confirm ICF as a mediator.
2
Study focused solely on males.
3
Limited sample size for Met/Met carriers.

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