Abstract
PURPOSE: Obesity may attenuate the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), thereby increasing the risk of cognitive dysfunction. High-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) has been shown to be as or more effective than continuous moderate exercise (CME) in promoting the expression of BDNF in normal weight individuals. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effect of acute HIIE and CME on BDNF expression in obese individuals. METHODS: Twelve male subjects (6 obese and 6 normal-weight) participated in a randomized and caloric equated experiment: HIIE (30 minutes, 4 intervals of 4 minutes at 80% - 90% of VO2max with 3 minutes rest between intervals) and CME (38 minutes at 50% - 60% VO2max). Blood samples were collected for measurements of serum BDNF, blood lactate, and plasma cortisol prior to and following exercise. RESULTS: The BDNF response to acute HIIE was greater than CME in obese subjects when compared to normal-weight subjects. Similarly, although acute HIIE induced greater lactate and cortisol levels than CME, obese subjects produced less lactate, but no difference in cortisol than normal-weight subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Acute HIIE may be an effective protocol to upregulate BDNF expression in an obese population, independent of increased lactate and cortisol levels.
Published Version
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