The Effects of High-Intensity Interval Walking Exercise on Perceived Cognitive Function, Depression, Lower Limb Strength, and Gait Speed in Older Women

This study implemented a 12-week intervention program to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval walking exercise on perceived cognitive function, depression, lower limb strength, and gait speed among elderly women. Based on the results, the following conclusions were drawn: First, regarding perceived cognitive function, a significant time×group interaction effect was observed. While the comparison group showed a greater improvement, the experimental group also demonstrated a statistically significant enhancement, indicating that high-intensity interval walking contributed to the improvement of cognitive function. Second, in terms of depression, only the main effect of time was statistically significant, suggesting that the walking exercise had a positive emotional impact on elderly women, supporting its psychological benefits. Third, for lower limb strength, a significant time×group interaction effect was found. The experimental group showed a greater improvement than the comparison group, demonstrating that high-intensity interval walking served as an effective intervention for enhancing muscular strength in the lower extremities. Fourth, with regard to gait speed, a significant time×group interaction effect was also identified. The experimental group exhibited a greater improvement compared to the comparison group, indicating that high-intensity interval walking is an effective intervention for improving gait speed in elderly women.