NeuroCon-AutismNet: a privacy-preserving multimodal framework toward autism screening via diffusion-regularized EEG biomarkers and empathy-aware multilingual dialogue.

The rising prevalence of mental health challenges and sedentary lifestyles among university students is a global concern. Transitioning from adolescence to early adulthood, university students face a unique set of pressures, including academic responsibilities, social adjustments, and lifestyle changes, which can contribute to stress, anxiety, and physical inactivity (; ). These factors not only impact their immediate wellbeing but may also negatively influence executive function and academic performance (; ). In addition, prolonged sedentary behavior and insufficient physical activity may further impair cognitive health and increase the risk of long-term physical and psychological disorders, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and mental health problems (; ; ). Effective interventions that address both mental wellbeing and executive functioning are therefore critical for promoting holistic health among university students. As a widely recognized exercise method, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has shown benefits for improving both physical and psychological outcomes. Characterized by alternating short bursts of high-intensity activity with periods of rest or low-intensity exercise, HIIT is known for its time efficiency and adaptability, making it particularly suitable for university students with busy schedules (). Previous research has demonstrated the utility of HIIT for enhancing physical fitness, reducing body fat, and improving cardiovascular health in diverse populations, including children, adolescents, and adults (; ; ; ). Additionally, growing evidence suggests that HIIT may positively influence mental health, reducing stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms (i.e., internalizing problems), while also enhancing cognitive performance such as attention and executive functions (i.e., working memory, task switching, and inhibition) (; , ; ). Previous studies have demonstrated that HIIT may improve physical fitness, mental health, and cognitive performance across different populations, including adolescents, older adults, and the general population (; ; ). However, these reviews have rarely focused specifically on university students, despite this population experiencing unique academic, psychological, and lifestyle-related stressors (; ). Furthermore, the existing evidence among university students remains fragmented and methodologically heterogeneous. Previous studies have used diverse HIIT protocols, intervention durations, and outcome measures, particularly for executive function assessments, making direct comparisons difficult (; ; ; ; ). Several studies have also been limited by small sample sizes and varying methodological quality. As a result, the effectiveness of HIIT for improving mental health and executive function among university students remains unclear.