Resistance Or Endurance Training Increases Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor Concentrations In Middle Age Females

Abstract

Evidence continues to develop regarding the positive connection between chronic physical activity and brain health. Brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) works collaboratively with other growth factors to encourage exercise-induced enhancements in cognitive function, neuronal growth, learning, memory, and overall brain health. However, the optimal stimulus and processes by which BDNF is enhanced has not yet been firmly established. PURPOSE: To compare the effects of 16 weeks aerobic (AT) or resistance training (RT) on mRNA concentrations in monocytes and basal plasma BDNF in sedentary middle-aged females. METHODS: Twenty-six untrained overweight female participants (age: 51.1 ± 4.2 years, weight: 69 ± 5.4 kg and BMI: 27.1 ± 2.1 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to AT, RT, or control (C) groups. Blood samples and body composition were collected at baseline and 48-h after the last training session. Participants in the AT and RT groups exercised three times a week for 16-weeks under the supervision of exercise specialists. RESULTS: There were significant group x time interactions (p < 0.05) for both plasma and mRNA concentrations of BDNF which significantly increased in both AT (plasma: 423 ± 13 pg/ml, p < 0.001; mRNA: 1.9 ± 2.9, p < 0.044) and RT (plasma: 610 ± 22.3 pg/ml, p < 0.001; mRNA: 0.6 ± 0.7, p < 0.039) when compared to C. There was also a significant group x time interaction (p < 0.05) for body fat percentage, which was significantly decreased in both AT (-1.8 ± 0.8 %, p < 0.001) and RT (-1.2 ± 1.5 %, p < 0.043) compared to the control group There were no significant differences between AT- and RT-induced improvements. There was a significant correlation between changes in plasma concentrations of BDNF and monocyte mRNA of BDNF (r = 0.506; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Sixteen weeks of chronic AT or RT increased basal BDNF monocyte mRNA, a key moderator of brain health, expression and plasma concentrations in sedentary middle-aged females. Future research is important to examine the effects of different exercise intensities, durations, frequencies, and exercise types on plasma BDNF concentrations.