Journal of Exercise Science and Fitness · Oct 4, 2025

Effects of two different doses of HIFT on physical function, cognitive performance, and quality of life in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A randomized controlled trial

By Afanador-Restrepo DF, Rivas-Campo Y, Basto-Cardona CM et al.

UNLABELLED: Background/Objective: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) compromises physical and mental function in older adults and increases the risk of dementia. High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) is a promising intervention, but the optimal dose-response for improving cognitive and physical outcomes in this population remains unclear. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 224 older adults (≥65 years) allocated to three groups: high-dose HIFT (4 sessions of 60 min/week), low-dose HIFT (2 sessions of 45 min/week), and control (non-exercise activities). The intervention lasted 12 weeks. Primary outcomes included cognitive function (MAAS, MoCA, TMT A/B, VFAT, DSST), physical fitness (Senior Fitness Test, Tinetti), and quality of life (SF-36, PSQI). A repeated-measures ANOVA was used to examine the time × group interaction. RESULTS: Significant time × group interactions were observed for MAAS (F = 20.50; p < 0.001; η²G = 0.005), MoCA (F = 17.40; p < 0.001; η²G = 0.034), TMT A (F = 38.60; p < 0.001; η²G = 0.098), and VFAT (F = 109.00; p < 0.001; η²G = 0.101), with greater improvements in both HIFT groups compared to control. For quality of life, significant interactions were found across all SF-36 dimensions, notably in Vitality (F = 76.20; p < 0.001; η²G = 0.095) and Emotional Role (F = 23.00; p < 0.001; η²G = 0.032). Physical fitness also improved, with significant effects in the 6-Minute Walk Test (F = 29.80; p < 0.001; η²G = 0.108) and 8-Foot Up-and-Go (F = 81.00; p < 0.001; η²G = 0.191). CONCLUSION: Both high- and low-dose HIFT programs improved cognitive, physical, and quality-of-life outcomes in older adults with MCI. The low-dose intervention achieved similar effects to the high-dose protocol, offering a time-efficient and scalable approach for implementation in clinical and community settings.

doi.org/10.1016/j.jesf.2025.10.004 Open access PubMed 41142516 Interventions