EFFECT OF INTERVAL TRAINING ON COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING AND CEREBRAL OXYGENATION IN OBESE PATIENTS: A PILOT STUDY

Objective: 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. Methods: Cognitive functioning, cerebral oxygenation, central haemodynamic, cardiometabolic and exercise parameters 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%). Results: Body composition (body mass, total and trunk fat mass, waist circumference) and fasting insulin were improved after the programme (p<0.05). (V) over dotO(2) 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). Conclusion: These preliminary results indicate that a 4-month high-intensity interval training programme in obese patients improved both cognitive functioning and cerebral oxygen extraction, in association with improved exercise capacity and body composition.