Acute increases in brain-derived neurotrophic factor following high or moderate-intensity exercise is accompanied with better cognition performance in obese adults

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to test if different intensities of aerobic exercise could influence abdominal fat, isoforms of BDNF and executive function. Twenty obese men (30.0 ± 5.4 years old; 34.4 ± 3.5 kg/m 2) were randomized to moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT, n = 10) and high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT, n = 10) three times a week for 6 weeks, with isoenergetic energetic expenditure for each exercise session (~ 300 kcal) between conditions. Abdominal fat was assessed pre-and post-intervention; executive function (Coding subtest from BETA-III non-verbal intelligence test and Stroop color and Word test), concentrations of mBDnf and proBDnf were assessed in response to acute exercise pre-and post-intervention. Abdominal fat did not change in either group. There was a significant increase in mBDNF immediately after acute exercise in both groups before and after intervention. proBDNF did not present changes acutely nor after 6 weeks. Executive function presented a main effect of time at pre-and post-intervention time-points Stroop Word and Stroop color and coding subtest presented improved performance from pre-to post-acute exercise session, in both groups. in conclusion, executive function improvements and acute exercise session-induced increases in mBDnf concentration were found from pre-to post-exercise intervention similarly between Mict and Hiit in obese men. There is evidence of an association between augmented abdominal adiposity and lower cognitive function, and it seems that one link between these two parameters is through immunometabolic alterations provoked by proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), released from adipose tissue 1-3. Aspects of cognition, such as executive function, which includes working memory, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility 2, 4, 5 , can be affected by the size of visceral fat 1 and metabolic dysfunction 3, 6 , which are very common conditions in subjects with obesity. In this context, both abdominal fat and cognitive impairments seem to be associated with lower concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) 2, 7 , an important pleiotropic protein directly related to neuron health and brain function 4 .

The Effects of Interval Training on Peripheral Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) In Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Interestingly, reports indicate that this neurotrophin can cross the bloodbrain barrier 15 and that peripheral circulating BDNF concentrations are associated with brain function [16][17][18] . In agreement, studies in humans demonstrate that peripheral BDNF concentrations are positively associated with hippocampus size and cognitive performance 19,20 , and inversely associated with mood disorders [21][22][23] .…”

Bidirectional Association between Physical Activity and Dopamine Across Adulthood—A Systematic Review

“…The mental health benefits of PA are well documented [57]. Regular PA and exercise contribute to improved mental health through improving cognition [58][59][60], increasing BDNF levels in the brain [61], and brain plasticity [59]. Furthermore, people who are more physically active and have better fitness levels are less likely to have mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety [62][63][64].…”

The effect of aerobic exercise on interoception and cognitive function in healthy university students: a non-randomized controlled trial

“…High-intensity exercise improves both cognitive and mental function [ 31 , 32 ], whereas moderate-intensity exercise is known to improve cognitive and mental function [ 33 , 34 ] through neurogenesis and neuroendocrine responses [ 35 , 36 ]. We adopted the 50% heart rate reserve (HRR) task, which is considered to be a moderate-intensity exercise as per ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription [ 37 ], and employed a previously-reported step exercise using a low-height bench [ 33 ].…”