Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a form of exercise that alternates between periods of high-intensity effort and lower-intensity recovery. This review examined the effects of HIIT on cognitive function in healthy older adults. A search of the PubMed, EBSCOhost (APA PsycInfo, MEDLINE Complete, and Sociology Source Ultimate), and Epistemonikos databases was conducted using database-specific search strategies based on the concepts of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), cognition, and older adults. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving healthy adults aged 60 years or older. Five studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the current evidence does not support a consistent benefit of HIIT for improving overall cognitive function in healthy older adults. However, some studies reported improvements in specific cognitive domains, including working memory and hippocampal-dependent learning, rather than generalized improvements in cognition. Interpretation of the findings was limited by heterogeneous cognitive outcome measures and the use of active exercise comparator groups, making it difficult to isolate the specific effects of HIIT. Further high-quality longitudinal RCTs are needed to determine whether HIIT provides meaningful cognitive benefits beyond conventional exercise modalities.