High-intensity interval training as a cognitive enhancement strategy for executive function in overweight female university Students

Background: Overweight female university students are vulnerable to sedentary behavior, reduced physical fitness, and impaired executive function. This study examined the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on executive function in overweight female university students.

Methods: This randomized controlled pretest–posttest study involved 80 overweight female university students who were assigned to an exercise group (n = 40) or a control group (n = 40). The exercise group completed an eight-week supervised HIIT program, three sessions per week, while the control group maintained usual daily activities. Executive function was assessed using the Stroop Color–Word Test, Trail Making Test Part B, and Digit Span Test. Anthropometric variables were also measured.

Results: Compared with the control group, the HIIT group demonstrated greater improvements in executive function. Stroop interference time decreased from 58.42 ± 7.35 to 49.86 ± 6.91 s in the HIIT group, compared with 57.89 ± 7.12 to 55.94 ± 7.28 s in the control group (group × time: F = 8.74, p = 0.004, ηp 2 = 0.107). TMT-B completion time decreased from 74.35 ± 9.84 to 63.12 ± 8.76 s, compared with 73.91 ± 10.11 to 70.85 ± 9.94 s ( F = 10.21, p = 0.002, ηp 2 = 0.121). Digit Span total score increased from 11.24 ± 1.86 to 13.08 ± 1.94, compared with 11.31 ± 1.79 to 11.86 ± 1.83 ( F = 7.69, p = 0.007, ηp 2 = 0.095). Significant reductions in body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference were also observed in the HIIT group compared with the control group.

Conclusion: High-intensity interval training is an effective and time-efficient strategy for improving executive function and anthropometric outcomes in overweight female university students.