Effect of four different forms of high intensity training on BDNF response to Wingate and Graded Exercise Test

Abstract

This study examined the effects of a nine-week intervention of four different high-intensity training modalities [high-intensity functional training (HIFT), high-intensity interval training (HIIT), high-intensity power training (HIPT), and high-intensity endurance training (HIET)] on the resting concentration of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF). In addition, we evaluated the BDNF responses to Graded Exercise Test (GXT) and Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) in men. Thirty-five healthy individuals with body mass index 25.55 ± 2.35 kg/m2 voluntarily participated in this study and were randomly assigned into four training groups. During nine-weeks they completed three exercise sessions per week for one-hour. BDNF was analyzed before and after a GXT and WAnT in two stages: (stage 0—before training and stage 9—after nine weeks of training). At stage 0, an increase in BDNF concentration was observed in HIFT (33%; p < 0.05), HIPT (36%; p < 0.05) and HIIT (38%; p < 0.05) after GXT. Even though HIET showed an increase in BDNF (10%) this was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). At stage 9, higher BDNF levels after GXT were seen only for the HIFT (30%; p < 0.05) and HIIT (18%; p < 0.05) groups. Reduction in BDNF levels were noted after the WAnT in stage 0 for HIFT (− 47%; p < 0.01), HIPT (− 49%; p < 0.001), HIET (− 18%; p < 0.05)], with no changes in the HIIT group (− 2%). At stage 9, BDNF was also reduced after WAnT, although these changes were lower compared to stage 0. The reduced level of BDNF was noted in the HIFT (− 28%; p < 0.05), and HIPT (− 19%;p < 0.05) groups. Additionally, all groups saw an improvement in VO2max (8%; p < 0.001), while BDNF was also correlated with lactate and minute ventilation and selected WAnT parameters. Our research has shown that resting values of BDNF after nine weeks of different forms of high-intensity training (HIT) have not changed or were reduced. Resting BDNF measured at 3th (before GXT at stage 9) and 6th day after long lasting HITs (before WAnT at stage 9) did not differed (before GXT), but in comparison to the resting value before WAnT at the baseline state, was lower in three groups. It appears that BDNF levels after one bout of exercise is depended on duration time, intensity and type of test/exercise.

How training loads in the preparation and competitive period affect the biochemical indicators of training stress in youth soccer players?

“…After the pre-season period, we also noted a significant increase in resting values of COR, CK, and SER. Interestingly, while our research contradicts the BDNF concentration findings of Gepner et al (2019) , Figueiredo et al (2019) and Murawska-Ciałowicz et al (2021) the lower sRPE values measured in the subsequent training periods of our study were in relation to lower differences in BDNF concentration.…”

“…In contrast, decreased BDNF concentrations have been reported for soldiers that follow very intense military training ( Gepner et al, 2019 ), whilst Figueiredo et al (2019) noted lower BDNF levels following 8-weeks of high-intensity endurance training combined with strength training. Murawska-Ciałowicz et al (2021) recently reported that resting values of BDNF remained unchanged or were reduced after different forms of high-intensity training for 9-weeks and Hebisz et al (2019) found no changes in BDNF after 6-months of long-term sprint interval training in well-trained cyclists.…”

BDNF Impact on Biological Markers of Depression—Role of Physical Exercise and Training

“…Previous studies have shown that both endurance [ 22 , 30 , 71 ] and short-term high-intensity anaerobic exercise [ 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 ] can increase BDNF levels in healthy and depressed patients. According to Murawska – Ciałowicz et al [ 76 ] BDNF levels after one bout of exercise are dependent on duration time, intensity, and type of test/exercise and the intensity of previous training. According to Rasmussen, BDNF is released from the brain during exercise [ 50 ] and is produced by skeletal muscle in response to contraction [ 49 ] and is responsible for muscle-brain crosstalk [ 77 ].…”

“…Many studies provide evidence of the relationship between stress, depression, impaired neurogenesis in the hippocampus, and the negative feedback between BDNF and cortisol [ 76 ]. HPA axis hyperactivity is considered one of the crucial biological factors of mood disorders, including depression [ 146 , 147 , 148 , 149 ].…”

The Effect of Endurance Training on Serum BDNF Levels in the Chronic Post-Stroke Phase: Current Evidence and Qualitative Systematic Review

“…Recently, a number of clinical studies have reported the advantageous impact of various types of endurance activity (EA) on enhancing BDNF levels in the peripheral blood in post-stroke patients. However, several studies have revealed that BDNF remains unchanged after sessions of different forms of high-intensity training in sedentary or in adults who train regularly [ 35 , 36 , 37 ]. Exerkines, especially BDNF, help regulate neuronal metabolism [ 38 ], ensure the correct functioning of neurons [ 39 , 40 ], modulate neurotransmission [ 41 ], and induce plasticity [ 32 , 38 , 41 ].…”