The Joint Effect of Air Pollution and Exercise on Cognitive Function

The Joint Effect of Air Pollution and Exercise on Cognitive Function

A double-blind randomized controlled trial design is used in this study. A mixed design of 2 (pollution reduction group vs. no pollution reduction group) × 3 (high intensity intermittent exercise [HIIT], moderate intensity of aerobic exercise [MICT] and control group [CONT]) is used. 93 subjects recruited by advertising will be randomly divided into 6 groups: high intensity exercise group (pollution reduction vs no pollution reduction), moderate intensity aerobic exercise group (pollution reduction vs no pollution reduction) and Stretching group (Control) (pollution reduction vs no pollution reduction).

Environmental intervention program In the pollution reduction groups, the air purification system is used 2 hours before the subjects entered the room to minimize the indoor PM2.5 and PM10.

Exercise intervention program including HIIT, MICT and Stretching (Control) group :

The VO2max of all subjects are measured one week before the experiment. HIIT program: 20 minutes exercise of HIIT (1min of 100% VO2max and 1min of 50% VO2max alternately) and 10 minutes of warm-up and relaxation.

MICT program: 20 minutes exercise of 70-75% VO2max and 10 minutes of warm-up and relaxation.

Stretching control group: 30 minutes of stretching, posture adjustment and rehabilitation courses taught by professional therapists.

Inclusion Criteria:

• No regular exercise in the past six months;
• Healthy people without history of disease;
• Aged between 20 and 30 years old.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Professional athletes;
• Regular exercise in the past six months;
• People who are injured or have a history of disease in the past six months;
• People who have a history of taking medicine in the past six months.