Effect of High-Volume Upper Extremity Exercises on Physical and Cognitive Performance in Sedentary Adults

Engaging in regular, well-structured physical activities is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle and constitutes a lifelong habit essential for sustaining overall health and well-being. Such activities have been increasingly recognized for their vital role in preventing and managing a wide range of health conditions, emphasizing their importance for both physical and mental health (Martin, Richardson, Weiller, & Jackson, 2004). Conversely, a sedentary lifestyle has emerged as one of the most pressing public health challenges of the modern era, contributing significantly to the global burden of disease and highlighting the need for effective intervention strategies.

Among these strategies, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has gained widespread attention for its efficacy in improving cardiovascular health. This has, in turn, sparked growing interest in understanding the broader impact of exercise intensity, particularly its effects on cognitive function. However, much of the existing research has concentrated on lower extremity exercises, such as those performed on treadmills or ergometers, leaving a significant gap in the understanding of the benefits of upper extremity exercises. The role of high-volume upper extremity exercise in enhancing both physical and cognitive performance remains underexplored, with current evidence presenting inconsistent and conflicting findings.

Notably, upper extremity motor function has been identified as a promising biomarker for cognitive impairment. Its assessment may provide critical insights into distinguishing healthy aging trajectories from pathological cognitive decline. This connection underscores the potential importance of upper extremity exercises as a tool for both physical and cognitive health maintenance in sedentary populations.

The present study aims to address these gaps by comparing the effects of high-volume and low-volume upper extremity exercise regimens on sedentary adults. Specifically, the research seeks to test the hypothesis that one of these exercise modalities may offer superior benefits in enhancing physical performance, cognitive performance, and overall cognitive function. By investigating these relationships, the study aims to contribute to the growing body of evidence on exercise-based interventions, offering novel insights into strategies for optimizing health outcomes in sedentary individuals.