Abstract

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of an acute bout of vigorous exercise on BDNF and cognitive performance in emerging adults aged 18‐25 years.METHODS: Twenty‐nine emerging adults were recruited to assess aerobic exercise‐induced changes in BDNF and cognitive performance. At baseline (T_0), blood samples were taken to measure BDNF, and cardiorespiratory fitness (VO_2 max) was assessed on a cycle ergometer. At rest, cognitive performance was assessed via the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test, Stroop Test and Trail Making Test (TMT) A and B , followed by 10 minutes of acute treadmill running at 85‐90% maximum heart rate . A second blood draw (T_1) immediately followed the exercise bout. Stroop and TMT were administered again once heart rate returned to 10% of baseline. BDNF was measured 30 minutes post exercise (T_2).RESULTS: There was a significant increase in BDNF from T_0 to T_1 (p < 0.05) and a significant decrease from T_1 to T_2 ( p < 0.05). Post exercise cognitive performance improved for Stroop word (t = ‐10.36, p <0.05), color (t = ‐6.69, p <0.05), and color word (t = ‐6.16, p <0.05), and TMT A (t=4.32 p<0.001) and B (t=4.46 p<0.001). There were trending relationships between BDNF and both cognitive tests.CONCLUSIONS: Acute exercise had a significantly positive effect on BDNF and cognition immediately after exercise. Further research is needed to determine whether cognitive performance after exercise is mediated by BDNF.

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