A new study has revealed that integrating high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into school physical education classes can significantly improve both physical fitness and cognitive function among adolescents. The research, conducted over an eight-week period, focused on students aged 13 to 17 and utilized a combination of strength and endurance training methods.
According to global data, over 80% of adolescents fail to meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day. This lack of activity has been linked to a range of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, and mental health challenges. Addressing this concern, researchers implemented a structured HIIT program to examine its potential in reversing declining fitness trends among youth.
The study adopted a quasi-experimental, pre-test/post-test control group design. A total of 84 middle school students from the same educational institution participated, evenly split into an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG). The intervention group engaged in HIIT-based sessions during their regular physical education classes, while the control group continued with traditional PE activities under a different instructor who was unaware of the HIIT protocol.
Over the course of eight weeks, the experimental group showed marked improvements in multiple areas. Cardiorespiratory fitness, as measured by maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), along with muscular strength (via handgrip and horizontal jump tests) and speed-agility (4×10 meter shuttle run), all improved significantly. Additionally, cognitive performance, assessed using the D2 Attention Test, showed notable gains. Students in the HIIT group demonstrated enhanced concentration, reduced errors, and faster information processing speeds.
“These findings suggest that short, intensive bursts of physical activity can lead not only to physical gains but also to measurable improvements in cognitive performance,” said the study’s lead author.
The intervention was carefully structured to ensure both safety and engagement. Students had previously been familiarized with the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale, which helped them monitor their effort levels throughout each session. Importantly, participants in the control group did not partake in any specific training targeting physical fitness enhancement during the study period.
The researchers emphasized that physical activity in school settings must be time-efficient and goal-directed. HIIT presents a promising solution, with previous studies also suggesting it produces physiological effects comparable to or even exceeding those of traditional longer-duration aerobic programs. Furthermore, incorporating strength components into HIIT regimens may provide unique cognitive benefits, potentially linked to elevated levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and catecholamines, which support brain health and executive function.
The study also highlighted the long-term potential of HIIT to support not only physical well-being but also academic outcomes through improved attention and cognitive flexibility. These benefits appear particularly relevant in addressing the modern challenges posed by sedentary lifestyles and screen overuse among adolescents.
While the results are encouraging, the authors caution that further research is needed to determine the optimal duration and frequency of HIIT sessions, as well as their long-term impact on academic performance. They also call for larger-scale studies across diverse educational settings to validate the generalizability of their findings.
“This study reinforces the value of integrating scientifically grounded, high-efficiency training protocols into school curricula,” the researchers concluded, “and underscores the role schools can play in fostering both physical and mental development.”
The research followed ethical guidelines in accordance with the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki. All participants provided informed consent, with parental approval obtained for minors. The study was conducted during regular school hours and was approved by an institutional ethics committee.
As educators and policymakers seek solutions to address youth inactivity and cognitive decline, HIIT may offer a viable, evidence-based intervention to promote holistic adolescent development within the school environment.
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