HIGH-INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING
HIIT for Your Brain? New Study Shows It May Boost Memory and Cognitive Function in Older Adults
Mar
We all know that regular exercise is good for our bodies—but it turns out it might be just as important for your brain. Research consistently links physical activity to better cognitive performance, improved memory, and even a lower risk of dementia. But what kind of exercise is best for brain health?
According to new findings published online on July 8, 2024, in the journal Aging and Disease, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) may be one of the most effective types of exercise for supporting cognitive function—especially in older adults.
What the Study Found
The six-month study followed 151 healthy adults between the ages of 65 and 86. All participants were randomly assigned to one of three 30-minute exercise routines:
- Balance and stretching exercises
- Brisk walking on a treadmill (moderate intensity)
- High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on a treadmill
- 4-minute bursts at 85–95% of maximum heart rate
- Followed by 3 minutes of active recovery
- Repeated for a total of four cycles
Before and after the exercise program, researchers measured each participant’s brain function, focusing specifically on the hippocampus—the region associated with learning, memory formation, and overall cognitive performance.
The Surprising Results
While all three exercise groups showed some benefits, the HIIT group demonstrated the most significant improvements in hippocampal function. These participants performed better on memory and learning assessments, and brain scans showed increased activity in the regions responsible for cognitive processing.
In contrast, those in the balance/stretching and moderate-intensity walking groups saw more modest gains.
This suggests that the intensity of exercise may be a key factor in triggering the brain-boosting benefits of physical activity.
We all know that regular exercise is good for our bodies—but it turns out it might be just as important for your brain. Research consistently links physical activity to better cognitive performance, improved memory, and even a lower risk of dementia. But what kind of exercise is best for brain health?
According to new findings published online on July 8, 2024, in the journal Aging and Disease, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) may be one of the most effective types of exercise for supporting cognitive function—especially in older adults.
What the Study Found
The six-month study followed 151 healthy adults between the ages of 65 and 86. All participants were randomly assigned to one of three 30-minute exercise routines:
- Balance and stretching exercises
- Brisk walking on a treadmill (moderate intensity)
- High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on a treadmill
- 4-minute bursts at 85–95% of maximum heart rate
- Followed by 3 minutes of active recovery
- Repeated for a total of four cycles
Before and after the exercise program, researchers measured each participant’s brain function, focusing specifically on the hippocampus—the region associated with learning, memory formation, and overall cognitive performance.
The Surprising Results
While all three exercise groups showed some benefits, the HIIT group demonstrated the most significant improvements in hippocampal function. These participants performed better on memory and learning assessments, and brain scans showed increased activity in the regions responsible for cognitive processing.
In contrast, those in the balance/stretching and moderate-intensity walking groups saw more modest gains.
This suggests that the intensity of exercise may be a key factor in triggering the brain-boosting benefits of physical activity.
