Intervention effects of high-intensity interval exercise and moderate-intensity continuous exercise on executive functions in obese adolescents with low socioeconomic status

Liu Liu

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1621897

January 28, 2026SHILAP Revista de lepidopterologíaOpen Access

Intervention effects of high-intensity interval exercise and moderate-intensity continuous exercise on executive functions in obese adolescents with low socioeconomic status

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Why the study?

Does high-intensity interval exercise compared to moderate-intensity continuous exercise improve executive functions and BMI in obese adolescents with low socioeconomic status?

Key Points

HIIE improves BMI and cognitive flexibility in obese adolescents with low socioeconomic status, whereas MICE enhances inhibitory control accuracy.
Participants showed a significant improvement in reaction time and executive functioning metrics after both exercise interventions, with specific advantages per type.
Observational analysis compared high-intensity interval exercise to moderate-intensity continuous exercise focused on executive function enhancement.
The findings emphasize the need for differentiated exercise strategies for at-risk youth, highlighting the potential for tailored physical activity programs.

Structured PICO

Does high-intensity interval exercise compared to moderate-intensity continuous exercise improve executive functions and BMI in obese adolescents with low socioeconomic status?

P

Population

obese adolescents with low socioeconomic status

I

Intervention

high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE)

C

Comparator

moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE)

O

Outcome

executive functions and BMIsurrogate

Both high-intensity interval exercise and moderate-intensity continuous exercise improve executive functions and BMI in obese adolescents with low socioeconomic status, with distinct benefits for each modality.

Implication

Supports tailored HIIE or MICE selection by priority outcome in low-SES obese adolescents; extends evidence to this underserved group.

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to compare the intervention effects of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) on the executive functions of obese adolescents with low socioeconomic status (SES). Methods A total of 84 obese adolescents aged 12 ~ 15 years with low SES were selected and randomly divided into three groups: the HIIE group, the MICE group, and the control group, with 28 participants in each group. The HIIE group underwent 12 weeks of combined aerobic and anaerobic training, performed 3 times per week for 60 min each session. The MICE group conducted 12 weeks of outdoor jogging, 3 times per week for 60 min each session. The control group maintained their normal daily life and academic activities. The GO/NOGO task, 2-back task, and More-odd shifting task were used to assess inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, respectively. Meanwhile, body mass index (BMI) and heart rate were monitored throughout the study. Results After the intervention, both the HIIE group and the MICE group showed significant improvements in inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility (all p < 0.05). Specifically, the MICE group exhibited a more significant increase in the accuracy rate of inhibitory control ( F = 3.721, p = 0.029, η 2 = 0.100), while the HIIE group demonstrated a more pronounced reduction in the reaction time of cognitive flexibility ( F = 5.343, p = 0.007, η 2 = 0.138). Regarding BMI, the HIIE group had a significantly lower BMI than both the MICE group ( p = 0.027) and the control group ( p < 0.001), and the MICE group also had a significantly lower BMI than the control group ( p = 0.008). Conclusion Both HIIE and MICE can effectively improve the executive functions and BMI of obese adolescents with low SES, but they exert selective promoting effects. HIIE is more advantageous in improving BMI and reducing the reaction time of cognitive flexibility, while MICE is superior in enhancing the accuracy rate of inhibitory control.