Physical exercise modulates peripheral levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF): A systematic review of experimental studies in the elderly

Abstract The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of studies that analyzed the effect of physical exercise on the peripheral levels of BDNF in elderly individuals. Method We conducted a search in PsycINFO, Biological Abstracts, Pubmed, Web of Science, and Science Direct from 19...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Archives of gerontology and geriatrics 2013-01, Vol.56 (1), p.10-15
Main Authors: Coelho, Flávia Gomes de Melo, Gobbi, Sebastião, Andreatto, Carla Andreza Almeida, Corazza, Danilla Icassati, Pedroso, Renata Valle, Santos-Galduróz, Ruth Ferreira
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Aging
BDNF
Biomarkers
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor - blood
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor - physiology
Elderly people
Exercise
Exercise - physiology
Humans
Internal Medicine
Nervous system
Pathology
Physical activity
Physiotherapy
Review
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Summary:Abstract The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of studies that analyzed the effect of physical exercise on the peripheral levels of BDNF in elderly individuals. Method We conducted a search in PsycINFO, Biological Abstracts, Pubmed, Web of Science, and Science Direct from 1990 to 2011, using the following keywords: “physical exercise”, “physical activity”, “physical therapy”, “training”, “BDNF”, “neuroplasticity”, “neurotrophins”, “neuroplasticity proteins”, “aged”, “older”, “elderly”. The articles were considered for inclusion in the review if they were studies with elderly, assessed peripheral (serum and/or plasma) BDNF and evaluated an acute exercise or chronic exercise (training). Results Five randomized controlled trial and one randomized non-controlled trial studies were analyzed. Five out of six studies reported a significantly higher BDNF response to aerobic acute exercise and to aerobic or strength training program in healthy elderly and elderly with different pathologies. Conclusion It was not possible to establish a recommendation protocol for the type and intensity of physical exercise required to produce an increase in levels BDNF. However, physical exercise, particularly, moderate-intensity exercises seem to be more effective to promote increase the peripheral levels of BDNF in the elderly.
ISSN:0167-4943
1872-6976
DOI:10.1016/j.archger.2012.06.003