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HIITing the brain with exercise: mechanisms, consequences and practical recommendations.

Authors :
Calverley TA
Ogoh S
Marley CJ
Steggall M
Marchi N
Brassard P
Lucas SJE
Cotter JD
Roig M
Ainslie PN
Wisløff U
Bailey DM
Source :
The Journal of physiology [J Physiol] 2020 Jul; Vol. 598 (13), pp. 2513-2530. Date of Electronic Publication: 2020 Jun 01.
Publication Year :
2020

Abstract

The increasing number of older adults has seen a corresponding growth in those affected by neurovascular diseases, including stroke and dementia. Since cures are currently unavailable, major efforts in improving brain health need to focus on prevention, with emphasis on modifiable risk factors such as promoting physical activity. Moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) paradigms have been shown to confer vascular benefits translating into improved musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary and cerebrovascular function. However, the time commitment associated with MICT is a potential barrier to participation, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has since emerged as a more time-efficient mode of exercise that can promote similar if not indeed superior improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness for a given training volume and further promote vascular adaptation. However, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the impact of HIIT on the brain are surprisingly limited. The present review outlines how the HIIT paradigm has evolved from a historical perspective and describes the established physiological changes including its mechanistic bases. Given the dearth of RCTs, the vascular benefits of MICT are discussed with a focus on the translational neuroprotective benefits including their mechanistic bases that could be further potentiated through HIIT. Safety implications are highlighted and components of an optimal HIIT intervention are discussed including practical recommendations. Finally, statistical effect sizes have been calculated to allow prospective research to be appropriately powered and optimise the potential for detecting treatment effects. Future RCTs that focus on the potential clinical benefits of HIIT are encouraged given the prevalence of cognitive decline in an ever-ageing population.<br /> (© 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Physiology © 2020 The Physiological Society.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1469-7793
Volume :
598
Issue :
13
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
The Journal of physiology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
32347544
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1113/JP275021