Effects of 12 weeks of high‐intensity interval, moderate‐intensity continuous and self‐selected intensity exercise training protocols on cognitive inhibitory control in overweight/obese adults: A randomized trial

Growing evidence shows that aerobic exercise improves cognitive function. However, it is unclear how exercising at different exercise intensities affects cognitive inhibitory control in overweight/obese adults. Herein we compared the effects of 12 weeks of high‐intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate‐intensity continuous training (MICT), and self‐selected intensity training (SSIT) on cognitive inhibitory control in overweight/obese adults. A total of 64 adults (59.4% women, 31.3 ± 7.1 years, 29 ± 2.5 kg/m²) were randomized into three walking/running groups: HIIT, MICT and SSIT. All groups performed three exercise sessions per week on an outdoor running track for 12 weeks. Cognitive inhibitory control was assessed at baseline and after the exercising programs using a computerized version of the Stroop Color‐Words test. The HIIT and SSIT resulted in a faster Stroop effect (i.e. enhanced performance) when compared to MICT ( p =.018; p =. 026), however, there were no significant differences between the HIIT and SSIT groups ( p >. 05). The enhanced Stroop effect was correlated with increases in cardiorespiratory fitness after HIIT (r= −.521, p =. 018) and decreases in body fat after MICT (r=. 671, p =. 001). These findings may suggest that overweight/obese adults performing exercise interventions at higher intensities or self‐selected intensity may enhance their cognitive ability to inhibit automated behavioral responses. Highlights HIIT and/or SSIT are more effective than MICT in improving cognitive inhibitory control after 12‐weeks in overweight/obese adults. Increases in cardiorespiratory fitness and decreases in body fat after HIIT and MICT were correlated with improvements in cognitive inhibitory control. Our study highlights the possibility of performing different exercise programs in an outdoor environment to improve cognitive function in overweight/obese adults.