Moderate-intensity continuous training and high-intensity interval training improve cognition, and BDNF levels of middle-aged overweight men

Abstract

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing worldwide, which has been associated with poor cognitive outcomes. Participating in regular physical exercise may also improve cognition, and levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), but the optimal exercise prescription remains to be elucidated. The purpose of the present study is to compare the effects of moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) and high intensity interval training (HIIT) on cognition, and serum BDNF levels in middle-aged and overweight men. Twenty-five sedentary, overweight men participated in the 8-week training intervention. Subjects were randomized into MICT (n = 12) or HIIT (n = 13) and performed exercise sessions 3x/week for 8-weeks. Cognitive function, and serum BDNF levels were assessed pre-and post-intervention. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Graph Pad Prism 7.0, and the level of significance was set at 5%. Significant improvements were observed in cognitive test scores, and BDNF levels in MICT and HIIT groups (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in cognitive function between MICT and HIIT. The present study implicates that 8 weeks of MICT or HIIT may be a very useful non-pharmacological treatment option to improve cognitive function, and BDNF levels in middle-aged overweight men.

Acute and chronic psychosocial stress by the brain-derived neurotrophic factor in male humans: a highly standardized and controlled study

“…Understanding the effects of chronic stress on BDNF may help to develop interventions and therapeutic strategies to mitigate the negative effects of chronic stress on the brain and overall well-being [42,43].…”

“…These repeated elevations in cortisol could decrease BDNF, affect neurogenesis, and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases [41]. Understanding the effects of chronic stress on BDNF may help to develop interventions and therapeutic strategies to mitigate the negative effects of chronic stress on the brain and overall well-being [42,43].…”

Effectiveness of high‐intensity interval training on peripheral brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in adults: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis

“…47,48 The baseline VO 2 max values of the participants ranged from 16.4 to 51.77 mL/kg/min and the baseline BMI ranged from 21.78 to 38.25 kg/m 2 . In addition, 16 studies were performed in a healthy population, described as subjects without specific pathology, 19,20,[38][39][40][42][43][44][45][47][48][49][50][51]53,54 and six in a population with specific pathology such as poststroke, 37,41 Parkinson disease, 56 coronary artery disease, 46 Alzheimer's disease, 55 and multiple sclerosis 52 (Table 1).…”

“…14 However, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which involves high-intensity short or long bouts interspersed with rest or active recovery periods, 15 has recently emerged as an alternative training method for improving cognition 16,17 and increasing serum BDNF levels due to increased BDNF synthesis in the brain. 18 Previous studies showed that there was no difference between HIIT and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) 19,20 to improve serum BDNF levels, while Saucedo Marquez et al 21 suggested that HIIT is more effective than continuous training. In fact, the main advantage of HIIT is that people can obtain the same benefits as other exercise modalities with shorter session time.…”

Cross talk mechanisms of aerobic exercise training on obesity, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease: the role of insulin resistance

“…Irisin has unidentified receptors and plays a role in metabolism, synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, cognitive function, and memory through different pathways, such as PI3K 21 . On the other hand, excessive adiposity is associated with poor mental health 28 , 29 .…”