Expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, IGF-1 and cortisol elicited by regular aerobic exercise in adolescents

• Published in: Journal of Physical Therapy Science Vol. 27; no. 3; pp. 737 - 741
• Main Authors: Ha, Chang Ho, Jeon, Yong Kyun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan The Society of Physical Therapy Science 2015
• Subjects: Adolescents; Aerobic exercise; BDNF; Original; Adolescents; BDNF; Aerobic exercise
• ISSN: 0915-5287; 2187-5626
• DOI: 10.1589/jpts.27.737

[Purpose] This study was conducted on adolescent subjects whose brains are still developing with the purpose of identifying the effect of 8 weeks duration of aerobic exercises on the expression of BDNF, IGF-1 and cortisol, to identify effect of aerobic exercise on the expression of cortisol, BDNF and IGF-1 related to nerve cell growth. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 20 junior-high school students with no history of physical illness. The students were divided into an exercise group and a control group. The exercise group performed 3 treadmill exercise times per week for 8 weeks. The exercise time for the consumption of 200 kcal was calculated and the exercises were performed by each individual for 8 weeks. [Results] The exercise group showed statistically significant in increases serum BDNF and IGF-1 after 8 weeks, but cortisol showed no significant change. There were statistically significant differences between the groups in serum BDNF and IGF-1 after 8 weeks, but the difference in cortisol levels was not significant. [Conclusion] We found that long-term regular aerobic exercises has a positive effect on the enhancement of serum BDNF levels at rest and IGF-1 of adolescents who are still undergoing through brain developments.