The effects of physical activity and exercise on brain-derived neurotrophic factor in healthy humans: A review

• Published in: Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports Vol. 24; no. 1; pp. 1 - 10
• Main Authors: Huang, T., Larsen, K. T., Ried-Larsen, M., Møller, N. C., Andersen, L.B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Denmark Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-02-2014
• Subjects: Aerobics; Brain-derived neurotrophic factor; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor - blood; cardiorespiratory fitness; Cognition - physiology; cognitive function; Exercise; Exercise - physiology; Humans; Motor Activity - physiology; physical activity; Physical Fitness - physiology; Resistance Training; cognitive function; exercise; cardiorespiratory fitness; brain-derived neurotrophic factor; physical activity
• ISSN: 0905-7188; 1600-0838
• DOI: 10.1111/sms.12069

The purpose of this study was to summarize the effects of physical activity and exercise on peripheral brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in healthy humans. Experimental and observational studies were identified from PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and SPORT Discus. A total of 32 articles met the inclusion criteria. Evidence from experimental studies suggested that peripheral BDNF concentrations were elevated by acute and chronic aerobic exercise. The majority of the studies suggested that strength training had no influence on peripheral BDNF. The results from most observational studies suggested an inverse relationship between the peripheral BDNF level and habitual physical activity or cardiorespiratory fitness. More research is needed to confirm the findings from the observational studies.