The connection between physical exercise and enhanced cognitive function is well-established. However, the extent of benefit varies markedly depending on the intensity of the physical activity. A recent study found that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) boosted reaction time and cognitive flexibility better than moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE).

The study involved 28 elite male boxers in their mid-twenties. The participants underwent cognitive performance tests and provided blood samples in five scenarios: after an hour of rest, immediately after HIIT, one hour after HIIT, immediately after MICE, and one hour after MICE.

The blood tests revealed that participants' serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels immediately after exercise were considerably higher after HIIT than after rest or MICE. Interestingly, serum levels of S100B and neuron-specific enolase (proteins associated with brain injury) were also higher after HIIT than after rest but were comparable to those after MICE. HIIT and MICE improved cognitive performance, but HIIT was better at improving reaction time and incongruent task assessments (which measure cognitive flexibility).

These findings suggest that HIIT and MICE elicit beneficial effects on the brain, with HIIT outperforming MICE in certain arenas. These effects may be attributable to increased BDNF, a growth factor known to influence neuronal health and mediate the beneficial cognitive effects associated with exercise. Learn more about BDNF in the Cognitive Enhancement Blueprint, located in the Members' Library.