Changes in brain-derived neurotropic factor following aerobic exercise

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an essential protein required for neuronal growth, survival, and structural maintenance. However, there is still contradictory evidence on the responses of BDNF to exercise and its subsequent secretion.

To investigate the concentration changes and associated health benefits of BDNF following aerobic exercise.

A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using the terms: [BDNF] AND [Exercise, Health, Cognition, Metabolism]. The responses of BDNF following aerobic exercise were examined under two clusters: short-term (< 3 weeks) and long-term (> 3 weeks) exercise interventions.

210 research articles were examined, and 34 qualifying articles were included (18 short-term and 16 long-term exercise interventions). Overall, serum samples were prioritized over other biospecimens to quantify BDNF. Compared to plasma, serum samples had a relatively higher concentration of BDNF. Short-term exercise interventions significantly increased BDNF under both high and moderate-intensity. Similarly, long-term exercise interventions also increased BDNF under both high and moderate-intensity. However, multiple long-term exercise interventions reported no change in the concentration of BDNF.

Short-term exercise interventions at moderate and high-intensity are effective at increasing the concentration of BDNF. Although these exercise-induced increases in BDNF may not be always visible following long-term exercise interventions, other health benefits related to cognitive function and overall health are attributed to long-term exercise interventions. Future studies should consider the interplay between variables such as hydration status, biospecimen collection time, and sex that may increase the variability of results in BDNF following an exercise intervention.