Moxey, J. R., Perez, W. J., Jenkins, L. S., & Rynders, C. A. (2014). Effects of fasted versus fed high-intensity interval exercise on response time during a Stroop task. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 46(5), Supplement abstract number 530.

This study examined the effects of an acute bout of high-intensity interval exercise performed in the fasted versus fed state on cognitive function evaluated during a Stroop color-word naming task. Recreationally active adults (M = 3; F = 5) initially performed a running VO2peak test. On separate visits, Ss performed an acute bout of high-intensity interval exercise (10 x 1-minute rounds at 100% VO2peak with one minute of recovery) after an eight-hour fast (FAST) or after consuming a 240 kcal energy bar with order randomized. A Stroop test was administered at baseline (before high-intensity interval exercise/feeding), immediately after high-intensity interval exercise, and 12 and 24 hours post-exercise. Response times and errors were recorded.

Response time improved immediately post-exercise compared to baseline in both conditions. Response times improved 12 hours post-exercise in both conditions. The condition x time interaction was not significant. The main effects and interaction for error rate did not reach statistical significance.

Implication. An acute bout of high-intensity interval exercise performed in either a fasted or fed state sustained improved response times 12 hours into the recovery period. The nutritional environment surrounding an acute bout of high-intensity interval exercise did not appear to affect cognitive function as assessed by a Stroop color-word naming task.

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