The Effect of High Intensity Interval Training on Passive Avoidance Memory and Hippocampal Corticosterone Levels in Male Rats

So far the effectiveness of high-intensity interval training on learning and memory has remained unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of high intensity interval training on hippocampal corticosterone levels and passive avoidance memory in male rats.
In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats were placed into 5 groups (n=8): high intensity interval resistance training (HIRT), high intensity interval running training (HIIT), continuous running training (CT), sham (SH) ,and control (C). Experimental groups were under training for 4 weeks and 5 days per week. Memory function was evaluated by using passive avoidance test on two separate times before and 24 hours after foot shock. 24 hours after memory test, blood samples were obtained from the subjects. Hippocampal corticosterone levels were measured by ELISA method. For data analysis, one-way ANOVA was used.
The results showed that memory function improved significantly in the training groups compared with the SH and C groups (p Our findings showed that high intensity interval training can improve the hippocampus-dependent memory function and also reduce hippocampal corticosterone levels. Further research can help to better understand the effects of high intensity interval exercises on brain function.