The Cognitive Effectiveness of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) for Individuals of Methamphetamine Dependent: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

IntroductionCognitive deficit is a common syndrome of methamphetamine (MA) dependence, it relates to decision-making, control ability, and social functioning. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a training technique that requests people to work out at full intensity during a short period. A number of studies have already shown the potential effects of HIIT on cognitive roles. A number of studies have already shown the potential effects of HIIT on cognitive function. The purpose of this trial is to evaluate the cognitive effects of HIIT on the individuals of MA dependent. Methods and analysis240 individuals of MA dependent are randomly assigned to High-intensity Interval Training group (HIIT), Moderate-intensity Continuous Training group (MICT) and Control group (CON) respectively. HIIT consists of a 24-minute exercise of high-intensity interval training on a treadmill. MICT consists of a 1-hour body-mind exercise. CON remains their traditional intervention. The experimental period will be 12 months, with 3 interventions weekly for the first 6 months and follow-up for the next 6 months. All subjects will be given both physical and cognitive tests at baseline, after intervention and follow-up. The cognitive performances will be compared by a mixed-model analysis for repeated-measures.DiscussionHIIT training may reduce illicit drug cravings among individuals of MA dependent, it indicates that HIIT has better effect on cognitive functions such as memory and executive function for individuals of MA dependent.Trial RegistrationChiCTR, ChiCTR2000032492, Registered on Aril 30, 2020, Prospective registration, http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=52127&htm=4.