Effect of interval training on cognitive functioning and cerebral oxygenation in obese patients: a pilot study

• Published in: Journal of rehabilitation medicine Vol. 46; no. 10; pp. 1050 - 1054
• Main Authors: Drigny, Joffrey, Gremeaux, Vincent, Dupuy, Olivier, Gayda, Mathieu, Bherer, Louis, Juneau, Martin, Nigam, Anil
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sweden 01.11.2014
• Subjects: Adult; Body Composition; Cerebral Cortex - metabolism; Cognition - physiology; Exercise Therapy - methods; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Obesity - physiopathology; Obesity - rehabilitation; Oxygen Consumption - physiology; Pilot Projects; Treatment Outcome; Waist Circumference
• DOI: 10.2340/16501977-1905
• ISSN: 1650-1977

To assess the effect of a 4-month high-intensity interval training programme on cognitive functioning, cerebral oxygenation, central haemodynamic and cardiometabolic parameters and aerobic capacity in obese patients. Cognitive functioning, cerebral oxygenation, central haemodynamic, cardiometabolic and exercise para-meters were measured before and after a 4-month high-intensity interval training programme in 6 obese patients (mean age 49 years (standard deviation 8), fat mass percentage 31 ± 7%). Body composition (body mass, total and trunk fat mass, waist circumference) and fasting insulin were improved after the programme (p < 0.05). V. O2 and power output at ventilatory threshold and peak power output were improved after the programme (p < 0.05). Cognitive functioning, including short-term and verbal memory, attention and processing speed, was significantly improved after training (p < 0.05). Cerebral oxygen extraction was also improved after training (p < 0.05). These preliminary results indicate that a 4-month high-intensity interval training programme in obese patients improved both cognitive functioning and cere-bral oxygen extraction, in association with improved exercise capacity and body composition.