Mindfulness induction and executive function after high‐intensity interval training with and without mindful recovery intervals

Abstract

AbstractObjectivesDetermine the effect of incorporating mindfulness‐based activities into the recovery intervals of high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) on mindfulness induction and subsequent executive function performance.DesignsA within‐subject crossover trial.MethodsForty adults participated in two experimental conditions, including a 30‐min bout of HIIT involving mindfulness recovery intervals (Mindful) and a 30‐min bout of HIIT without mindfulness recovery intervals (Non‐mindful), on two separate days in counterbalanced order. Before and after each condition, participants completed the flanker task, switch‐flanker task, and n‐back task to measure inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and working memory, respectively.ResultsA higher level of mindfulness state was observed following the Mindful condition than the Non‐mindful condition. Dispositional mindfulness was positively correlated with the level of the mindful state only during the Mindful condition but not the Non‐mindful condition. The switch‐flanker response accuracy was improved from the pretest to posttest during the Non‐mindful condition but remained unchanged over time during the Mindful condition. Time‐related improvements in the flanker and n‐back task outcomes were observed for both the Mindful and Non‐mindful conditions and did not differ between conditions.ConclusionAlthough incorporating mindfulness‐based activities during the recovery intervals of HIIT successfully led to greater state‐related mindfulness, such a heightened mindful state did not correspond with additional modulation in inhibitory control and working memory performance while attenuating HIIT‐related positive changes in task performance requiring cognitive flexibility.