Plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor is higher after combat training (Randori) than incremental ramp test in elite judo athletes

Abstract

Elite judo demands high levels of physical and psychological skills. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may be of particular interest in sports medicine for its ability to promote neuroplasticity. We investigated the plasma BDNF before and after a judo training session (Randori) and the maximal incremental ramp test (MIRT) in athletes from the Brazilian national judo team and compared the results between both exercise stimuli and sexes. Fifty-six elite judo athletes were recruited who performed each task on a separated day. Anthropometric, physiological, athletic parameters, and plasma BDNF levels were measured before and after the tasks (Randori and MIRT). The groups presented similar anthropometric and physiological characteristics at baseline for the two tasks. All athletes reached maximal performance for the tasks. Plasma levels of BDNF increased significantly after Randori and MIRT for all subjects, both men and women. When comparing both exercise stimuli, a greater increase in BDNF was observed after Randori. There was no significant difference in the delta BDNF between sexes. Our findings indicate that training specificity of sport gestures influenced the increase of blood BDNF levels.

The Specific Judo Training Program Combined With the Whole Body Cryostimulation Induced an Increase of Serum Concentrations of Growth Factors and Changes in Amino Acid Profile in Professional Judokas

“…Physical activity has been reported to enhance its level ( Dinoff et al, 2017 ), which manifests in boosted brain functions, improved mood and inhibited depression ( Teixeira et al, 2010 ; Phillips, 2017 ). A recent paper by Schor et al (2019) reported that combat exercise, like Randori , can have a far more significant impact on BDNF release into the bloodstream than other kinds of exercise in elite judo athletes. A single fight induced a much pronounced increase of BDNF in both female and male judokas in comparison to changes after a maximal incremental effort.…”

“…A single fight induced a much pronounced increase of BDNF in both female and male judokas in comparison to changes after a maximal incremental effort. The authors have explained that judo fights can engage the nervous central system far more than other types of exercise owing to the tactical preparation and quick reactions to sudden changes of action provoked by the opponent ( Schor et al, 2019 ). In our study, a significant difference between groups in the BDNF serum after the intervention was recorded.…”

Benefits of Judo Training for Brain Functions Related to Physical and Cognitive Performance in Older Adults

“…These findings may reflect plastic modifications induced by various judo-specific demands and may also be a sequelae of the increase in the gray matter volume of cortical brain regions secondary to changes in CBF and increased BDNF induced by judo training [56]. In fact, it has been revealed that BDNF increases after judo training (free practice or sparring) [57].…”

Impact of Physical Exercise on Psychological Well-being and Psychiatric Disorders

“…Research showed that treadmill exercises might reduce circulating Aβ peptides levels and might improve cognitive deficits and decrease neurotoxicity (Koo, Kang, Ho, Yang, & Cho, 2016). The increased levels of BDNF induced by physical exercise might lead to cognitive improvement, or they could be protective against brain damage and contribute to maintain concentration, especially in combat sports (Griffin et al, 2011;Schor, Silva, Almeida, Pereira, & Arida, 2019) Further data indicates controversial results with the relationship between physical exercise and other neurotrophins, such as nerve growth factor (NGF) (Bansi, Bloch, Gamper, & Kesselring, 2013;Gold et al, 2003;Roh, Cho, Yoon, & So, 2017). Physical activity seems to positively influence an individual's ability to cope with psychological stress (Gustafsson, Sagar, & Stenling, 2017), that is the result of the sympathetic-vagal balance (Zou et al, 2018).…”