Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Executive Function, Academic Performance, and Health-Related Physical Fitness in Overweight Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Overweight and obesity during adolescence are associated with impaired physical fitness, reduced cognitive functioning, and poorer academic outcomes. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has gained recognition as a time-efficient physical activity protocol capable of simultaneously enhancing both physical fitness and cognitive function.
Objective: To investigate the effects of a 12-week HIIT program on executive function (EF), academic performance (AP), and health-related physical fitness (HRPF) in overweight adolescents.
Methods: Sixty-eight overweight adolescents aged 12–15 years were randomly assigned to a HIIT group (n=34) or a control group (n=34). The HIIT group participated in supervised training sessions three times weekly for 12 weeks, while the control group maintained usual activities. Following attrition, 31 and 32 participants completed the intervention in the HIIT and control groups, respectively. Study variables were assessed using standard tools. Data were analyzed using mixed-design ANOVA.
Results: Compared with the control group, participants assigned to the HIIT intervention achieved significantly greater gains in Stroop (F = 16.42, p < 0.001, η² = 0.21), Trail Making Test-B (F = 18.75, p < 0.001, η² = 0.24), Digit Span (F = 14.91, p < 0.001, η² = 0.19), GPA (F = 10.28, p = 0.002, η² = 0.14), shuttle run (F = 22.84, p < 0.001, η² = 0.28), and push-up (F = 24.13, p < 0.001, η² = 0.29).
Conclusion: HIIT program effectively enhanced EF, AP, and HRPF in overweight adolescents, supporting HIIT as a practical intervention for promoting cognitive and physical health in youth.