High-Intensity Training Boosts Brainpower in athletes

This study in BMC Sports Science, Medicine, and Rehabilitation compared high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) in elite male boxers. Both improved cognitive function compared to no exercise, but HIIT showed greater benefits. HIIT led to higher levels of a brain health marker (BDNF) and better performance on a cognitive test (Stroop test) compared to both the control and MICE groups. While both exercise types increased markers potentially linked to brain injury, HIIT and MICE had no significant differences. The study suggests HIIT might be better for brain health and cognitive function in athletes, especially in sports requiring strong mental performance.

Key Findings:

• HIIE resulted in higher levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), a marker of brain health, compared to both the control and MICE groups. This suggests that HIIE may be more effective in promoting neuroprotection.

• HIIE led to greater improvements in cognitive performance as measured by the Stroop test, especially in terms of reaction time and error rate.

• Both HIIE and MICE improved cognitive performance compared to the control group.

• No significant differences were found between HIIE and MICE in S100B and NSE levels, which are markers of potential brain injury.

Conclusion:

The study suggests that HIIE may be superior to MICE in promoting neuroprotection and improving cognitive function in athletes. This is particularly relevant for sports, where cognitive performance plays a crucial role.

Limitations:

• The study only included male athletes, so the findings may not be generalizable to females.

• The sample size was relatively small, requiring further research with larger groups.

• The long-term effects of HIIE and MICE on brain health need further investigation.

The effect of exercise on cognitive performance has been extensively investigated since the early 20th century, highlighting its significance in promoting brain health and healthy behaviours. Despite its known benefits, over 60% of the global population remains insensitive to exercise, which is often associated with sedentary lifestyles and low exercise participation rates. Exercise is recognized as a non-pharmacological strategy with direct positive effects on both functional and cognitive brain structures. Research has examined the impact of exercise on cognitive function from chronic (long-term) and acute (single-session) perspectives, with this study focusing on acute effects on biochemical and cognitive processes.

Exercise profoundly influences physiological systems, including the central nervous system and the brain. Studies have increasingly delved into brain responses during and after physical exertion, elucidating biochemical changes that occur to maintain organismal integrity. Exercise-induced stress triggers notable alterations in brain tissue, with varying levels of exercise intensity leading to intriguing physiological reactions. This study investigates the effects of two exercise models, high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE), on biochemical changes and cognitive performance.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a crucial neurotrophic factor, plays a pivotal role in neuroprotection and neurodegeneration, influencing brain functions like memory and learning. Previous research indicates higher basal BDNF levels in active individuals compared to sedentary ones, with certain sports showing greater post-exercise serum BDNF levels. Other proteins, like S100B and neuron-specific enolase (NSE), serve as markers of brain tissue damage, particularly in cases of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) or concussion. Acute exercise-induced changes in these markers are sensitive indicators of brain health and cognitive performance.

The inverted-U hypothesis suggests an optimal level of exercise intensity for cognitive performance, proposing a decline at high intensities. While this theory has been widely debated, studies have not consistently supported it, especially among athletic populations or individuals with higher fitness levels. Despite evidence supporting acute exercise's cognitive benefits, a definitive consensus remains elusive.

This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating the effects of different exercise intensities on biochemical changes and cognitive performance in elite boxing athletes. Using a cross-sectional design, the study adhered to ethical guidelines and involved 28 male athletes meeting specific inclusion criteria. Participants underwent anthropometric measurements, maximal oxygen consumption tests, and venous blood sampling before and after HIIE and MICE sessions, followed by cognitive performance assessments.

HIIE and MICE protocols were tailored to participants' VO2 max values, with exercise sessions conducted on separate days to minimize circadian rhythm effects. The Stroop test, a well-established neuropsychological assessment, was utilized to evaluate cognitive performance. Blood samples were collected at various intervals to assess biochemical changes related to exercise.

Effects on Neurobiological Markers:

Studies have consistently demonstrated acute increases in BDNF levels immediately following both HIIE and MICE sessions compared to control conditions. However, HIIE appears to induce a more pronounced elevation in BDNF levels, which gradually return to baseline within an hour post-exercise. The mechanism behind this elevation in BDNF levels is attributed to exercise-induced lactate metabolism, which activates pathways promoting BDNF expression. On the other hand, S100B, a marker of brain cell activity and blood-brain barrier integrity, exhibits transient increases immediately after HIIE, suggesting potential muscle cell damage-induced release. Similarly, NSE levels, indicative of neuronal damage, show a significant rise post-HIIE, but return to baseline within an hour, indicating temporary exercise-induced changes rather than lasting neuronal damage.

Cognitive Performance:

Both HIIE and MICE demonstrate beneficial effects on cognitive performance, as evidenced by improvements in reaction time and accuracy rates in cognitive tasks. However, HIIE appears to confer greater cognitive enhancement compared to MICE, particularly in tasks requiring inhibitory control. The acute cognitive benefits of HIIE are attributed to its ability to stimulate brain regions involved in executive functions, such as the prefrontal cortex and cingulate gyrus, through increased blood flow and the release of neurotrophic factors.

Comparison between HIIE and MICE:

Several studies have attempted to compare the effects of HIIE and MICE on cognitive function, yielding mixed findings. While some studies suggest HIIE's superiority in enhancing cognitive performance, others report conflicting results, indicating the influence of participant characteristics, exercise intensity, and timing of testing. Notably, the current study focuses on highly trained elite athletes, revealing differential responses to exercise compared to sedentary individuals. HIIE's ability to induce greater BDNF expression and cognitive enhancement may be attributed to its higher intensity and potential to trigger lactate metabolism-mediated pathways.

In conclusion, both HIIE and MICE exert favorable effects on neurobiological markers and cognitive performance in elite athletes. HIIE emerges as a more potent intervention, enhancing neuroprotection and cognitive function to a greater extent than MICE. These findings underscore the importance of considering exercise intensity and modality in optimizing cognitive performance and neuroprotection in elite athlete populations. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and long-term implications of acute exercise interventions on brain health and cognitive function.

Journal Reference

Buzdagli, Y., Ozan, M., Baygutalp, N. et al. The effect of high-intensity intermittent and moderate-intensity continuous exercises on neurobiological markers and cognitive performance. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 16, 39 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-024-00831-7

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