Abstract
Background and Objectives: Although the effects of physical exercise on brain functions are well studied, the influence of mental activity is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of a session of mental activity on brain neurobiological factors in chess players. Materials and Methods: Ten elite and novice chess players were recruited to participate in this study as volunteers. The subjects performed a session of standard chess matches as a mental activity. Before and after each chess match, blood samples were drawn to analyze changes in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Results: After each chess match, both the elite and novice groups showed significant increases in serum BDNF and IGF-1 concentrations. The elite group also showed significantly greater changes in BDNF and IGF-1 levels (p ≤ 0.05) than the novice group. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that a session of standard chess matches as a mental activity is effective for elevating BDNF and IGF-1 levels, and that their elevation in elite players seems to be more pronounced than those in novice players.
Highlights
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the neurotrophins family that plays an important role in neuronal transmission, modulation, and plasticity for the development of adulthood [1,2]
There was a significant difference between groups before chess match in resting BDNF levels
Our findings showed that an acute session of standard chess matches induced meaningful changes in BDNF and Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and the elite chess players showed greater elevations compared to novice chess players
Summary
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the neurotrophins family that plays an important role in neuronal transmission, modulation, and plasticity for the development of adulthood [1,2]. BDNF plays a key regulatory role in the growth and development of neurons in many areas of the brain, and resistance to nerve damage. It has been well documented that physical exercise regulates BDNF and IGF-1 expression and enhances brain plasticity [2,4,5,6]. The effects of physical exercise on brain functions are well studied, the influence of mental activity is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of a session of mental activity on brain neurobiological factors in chess players.
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