Acute Effects of High-Intensity Functional Training on Cognitive Function

Authors

Kelvin Wu, St. Mary's University
Gary Guerra, St. Mary's University

Files

Publication Date

Spring 2025

Department

Exercise and Sport Science

Description

CrossFit, a high-intensity functional training program, has gained widespread popularity for its physical fitness benefits, but its acute effects on cognitive function are not well understood. This study investigated the immediate impact of a CrossFit workout on cognitive performance, compared to a resting condition. Twenty experienced CrossFit athletes participated in two conditions: (1) a 12-minutes high-intensity CrossFit session and (2) a resting session involving 12 minutes of seated magazine reading. Cognitive performance was assessed using a flanker task, measuring reaction time and response accuracy as indicators of cognitive processing and inhibitory control.

Results revealed significantly better performance in the flanker task following the CrossFit workout compared to the resting condition. These findings suggest that high-intensity exercise acutely enhances cognitive performance, particularly in tasks requiring quick decision-making and attention.

Keywords

Exercise; Sports science; Kinesiology; Executive Function; Cognitive Control

Digital Publisher

Digital Commons at St. Mary's University

Collection

Research Showcase Presentations - 2025

Format

pdf

Medium

Presentation

City

San Antonio, Texas

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.