Objectives: This work aims to assess changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in women after the practice of a specific short duration 10-session aquatic physical therapy protocol in patients with fibromyalgia (FB). Methods: Case-control study. Thirteen women diagnosed with FB and 11 controls with the same age group, 35-55 years. Patients were evaluated according to the visual analog scale of pain and the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ). All were subjected to a short protocol totaling 10 sessions of 40 min twice a week for five weeks. Heart rate and pain were monitored. BDNF levels were measured using enzyme immunoassay. Results: A statistically significant increase in BDNF values was noted in patients with FB between the pre-and post-10th session assessments (mean of 35.52-41.96; p = 0.041). Conclusion: BDNF values may present fluctuations during a short duration moderate aerobic exercise protocol, when measured and analyzed in a longitudinal design. Further studies with a more frequent BDNF evaluation could help in understanding its behavior more accurately and are warranted.
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