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Sports Medicine
Published in: Sports Medicine 10/2019

01-10-2019 | Systematic Review

The Impact of Different Types of Exercise Training on Peripheral Blood Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Concentrations in Older Adults: A Meta-Analysis

Authors: Nastasia Marinus, Dominique Hansen, Peter Feys, Raf Meesen, Annick Timmermans, Joke Spildooren

Published in: Sports Medicine | Issue 10/2019

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Abstract

Background

As the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases (such as dementia) continues to increase due to population aging, it is mandatory to understand the role of exercise for maintaining/improving brain health.

Objectives

To analyse the impact of aerobic, strength and combined aerobic/strength exercise training on peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations in older adults (minimum age 60 years).

Methods

This meta-analysis adhered to PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were: (i) studies with subjects aged ≥ 60 years, (ii) completing a single exercise bout or an exercise programme, with (iii) measurements of blood BDNF in the periphery; (iv) with comparison between (a) an intervention and control group or (b) two intervention groups, or (c) pre- and post-measurements of an exercise intervention without control group. Studies with specific interest in known chronic co-morbidities or brain diseases affecting the peripheral and/or central nervous system, except for dementia, were excluded.

Results

In general, peripheral blood BDNF concentrations increased significantly after a single aerobic/strength exercise bout (Z = 2.21, P = 0.03) as well as after an exercise programme (Z = 4.72, P < 0.001). However, when comparing the different types of exercise within these programmes, the increase in the peripheral BDNF concentrations was significant after strength training (Z = 2.94, P = 0.003) and combined aerobic/strength training (Z = 3.03, P = 0.002) but not after (low-to-moderate intense) aerobic exercise training (Z = 0.82, P = 0.41).

Conclusions

Based on current evidence, to increase the peripheral blood BDNF concentrations in older adults, strength training and combined aerobic/strength training is effective. More studies are needed to examine the impact of aerobic exercise training.
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Metadata
Title
The Impact of Different Types of Exercise Training on Peripheral Blood Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Concentrations in Older Adults: A Meta-Analysis
Authors
Nastasia Marinus
Dominique Hansen
Peter Feys
Raf Meesen
Annick Timmermans
Joke Spildooren
Publication date
01-10-2019
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Sports Medicine / Issue 10/2019
Print ISSN: 0112-1642
Electronic ISSN: 1179-2035
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-019-01148-z

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