Comparative study of effect of high intensity interval training and playing mobile games on reaction time in young adults using a Stroop test.

Abstract

Background and aim: Enhanced cognitive abilities are imperative across all facets of life, right from decision making, hazard avoidance to athletic performance and procedural efficiency. The impact of mobile technology on cognition has been an area of profound scientific inquiry. The present study aimed to examine and compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and playing endless running mobile games on cognitive functions in 60 young adults, aged 18-25 years. They were divided into two groups, Group 1 practiced HIIT alone for 4 weeks, while Group 2 practiced HIIT coupled with playing mobile game, during the same period. Stroop Colour and Word test, a widely used test in cognitive psychology, was used to assess the cognitive performance which efficaciously measures selective attention, processing speed, and interference resolution.

Materials and methods: ANOVA, post hoc range tests and pairwise comparisons were used for analyses of Stroop test scores and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Significant improvements in reaction time, at the end of 4 weeks was observed in the complete study group, suggesting positive effects of practicing HIIT on cognitive domain. However, comparing the reaction time scores between the two test groups, HIIT-only (group 1) and HIIT-plus-mobile game (group 2) exhibited no significant differences suggesting no added benefits of adding mobile games to practicing HIIT.

Conclusion: This novel study demonstrates that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) by itself, is an effective method for augmenting cognitive performance indices, like reaction time, in young adult population of 18-25 years, with mobile games providing no additional benefits. Limitation: Further study is indicated in a larger cohort to explore the long-term impact of HIIT on broader range of cognitive abilities.