Faculty
Health Sciences
Supervisor Name
Dr. Peter Lemon
Keywords
Sprint Interval Training, Intermittent Fasting, Cognition, Exercise, Diet, Body Composition, Cognitive Function, Time Restricted Eating
Description
This study will explore how a combination of a time-restricted eating (TRE) strategy and a sprint interval training (SIT) exercise program will affect cognitive function. Both TRE and SIT are easily implemented lifestyle habits that have been shown to present significant brain challenges. Participants will be randomized into 3 groups: either SIT + TRE (Group 1), SIT alone (Group 2), or TRE alone (Group 3). We will assess acute effects (single day of TRE, followed by a single session of SIT the next day), and the effects over a 6 week period. The SIT protocol consists of four 30 second sprinting bouts, separated by 2 minutes of recovery. An additional sprint bout will be added biweekly to maintain progressive overload. SIT will be performed 3 times a week for Groups 1 and 2. The TRE involves no restrictions on type or amount of food consumed, however food must be consumed between 12pm and 8pm. The SIT will occur in an unfed state towards the end of the fast. The study will involve sedentary people aged 18-39. To evaluate the intervention, 2 cognitive tests (Stroop and Corsi block) will be performed at baseline and biweekly over a 6 week period. Additionally, body composition testing will occur at baseline, week 3, and week 6 using a BodPod, if COVID rules allow (if not, bodyweight will be evaluated). We hypothesize that the combination treatment group will have greater improvements in their cognitive function and body composition compared to either intervention alone.
Acknowledgements
We would like to acknowledge Western Research, Western Libraries, Student Experiences, and the USRI Program
Document Type
Poster
Included in
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Commons, Exercise Physiology Commons, Sports Sciences Commons
The Effect of Sprint Interval Training and Intermittent Fasting on Cognitive Function
This study will explore how a combination of a time-restricted eating (TRE) strategy and a sprint interval training (SIT) exercise program will affect cognitive function. Both TRE and SIT are easily implemented lifestyle habits that have been shown to present significant brain challenges. Participants will be randomized into 3 groups: either SIT + TRE (Group 1), SIT alone (Group 2), or TRE alone (Group 3). We will assess acute effects (single day of TRE, followed by a single session of SIT the next day), and the effects over a 6 week period. The SIT protocol consists of four 30 second sprinting bouts, separated by 2 minutes of recovery. An additional sprint bout will be added biweekly to maintain progressive overload. SIT will be performed 3 times a week for Groups 1 and 2. The TRE involves no restrictions on type or amount of food consumed, however food must be consumed between 12pm and 8pm. The SIT will occur in an unfed state towards the end of the fast. The study will involve sedentary people aged 18-39. To evaluate the intervention, 2 cognitive tests (Stroop and Corsi block) will be performed at baseline and biweekly over a 6 week period. Additionally, body composition testing will occur at baseline, week 3, and week 6 using a BodPod, if COVID rules allow (if not, bodyweight will be evaluated). We hypothesize that the combination treatment group will have greater improvements in their cognitive function and body composition compared to either intervention alone.