Differential acute effect of high-intensity interval or continuous moderate exercise on cognition in individuals with Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Background: People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) present cognitive impairments, which deteriorate their quality of life and increase disability. Acute aerobic exercise has demonstrated favorable effects on cognitive function in healthy neurologically individuals, but these effects have a dose–response relationship. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the acute effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus continuous moderate-intensity training (MICT) on cognitive functions in people with PD. Methods: A total of 14 individuals with PD performed cognitive tests, before and after 3 sessions—control session (CON), HIIT, and MICT. HIIT and MICT were performed on a stationary bicycle. HIIT consisted of a 25-minute exercise of high-intensity intervals (1 min) alternated with moderate-intensity intervals (2 min). MICT consisted of a 30-minute moderate-intensity exercise. CON was 30 minutes of seated resting. The cognitive parameters were compared by a mixed-model analysis for repeated measures. Results: Acute effects of exercise were according to its type: MICT—improved immediate auditory memory (P < .01); HIIT—improved immediate auditory memory (P < .02), attention (P < .001), and sustained attention (P < .01); and CON—no effects on cognitive function. Conclusions: Acute aerobic exercise was able to promote better cognitive performance in people with PD. The effects on cognition were exercise intensity dependent.