Long term habitual exercise is associated with lower resting level of serum BDNF

Abstract

This experiment has been designed to evaluate the basal serum BDNF level and memory performance, and also the change in BDNF in response to acute aerobic and anaerobic training in athletes and sedentary groups. Nineteen middle aged elite athletes (45-65 years) who used to be competing at domestic championship for more than 10 years and 20 sedentary subjects participated in this study. Blood samples and cognitive function were assessed at rest and also after performing a single bout of acute aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Basal serum BDNF significantly was lower in the athletes group compared to the control one (475.18±45.32, 1089.30±94.92, P=0.001). Serum BDNF was inversely correlated with Vo2 max (r=-0.5, P=0.013), but positively with BMI (r=0.2, p=0.4). Pictures recall memory was better in the athlete group (9.25±1.61) compared with the control ones (8±1.15, p=0.04). Basal platelets did not show any significant differences between athletes and controls (p>0.05). Both acute aerobic and anaerobic activity elevated serum BDNF and platelets in athletes and sedentary groups compared with rest (P<0.001). This study suggests that long-term habitual exercise is associated with lower peripheral BDNF and better intermediate memory. However acute form of intensive activity either aerobic or anaerobic are capable to elevate serum BDNF level in both sedentary and athletes.

Keywords: Acute exercise; BDNF; Cognitive function; Habitual exercise training.