THE EFFECT OF HIGH INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING (HIIT) ON SHORT-TERM MEMORY AMONG MEDICAL STUDENT OF DIPONEGORO UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Background: High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is an aerobic exercise consisting of high intensity of physical exercise interspersed with low intensity of physical exercise. HIIT has been known that can improve cognitive function. Medical students has low physical activity that can affect on cognitive function including short-term memory. Short-term memory is important in learning process which can affect on academic performance. Objective: To determine the effect of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on an individual’s short-term memory. Methods: This study used quasi experimental pretest and posttest design. The research subjects were 29 female students of the Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University with the average age of 19-22 years with normal BMI, divided in 2 groups. Experimental group (n=14) was instructed to do 6 weeks of HIIT (3 times a week) and control group (n=15) was instructed to not to do any exercises. Short-term memory was measured with Scenery Picture Memory Test (SPMT). The significance of the data was analyzed with paired sample t-test and independent sample t-test. Results : A significant increase (p<0.001) in memory score before and after HIIT, from 18.07±1.49 to 20.21±1.37. The posttest memory score of HIIT group (20.21±1.37) was significantly (p=0.034) higher than the control group (18.67±2.23). Meanwhile, the memory score at the pretest between the 2 groups was no significant differences (p=0.621). Conclusion: HIIT can improves short-term memory.

Keywords: High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Short-term Memory, Scenery Picture Memory Test (SPMT).