Resistance Training Significantly Increases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Women with a Sedentary Lifestyle: A Randomized Controlled Trial
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15391/prrht.2025-10(6).02Keywords:
Sedentary, Resistance Training, Physical Exercise, BDNFAbstract
Purpose. Cognitive decline and dementia are increasing, driven by a lack of movement and physical exercise. Critical aspects of brain cognitive function are influenced by levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The development and proliferation of synapses, which support thinking skills such as memory and learning, which are vital for survival, are influenced by BDNF levels. One non-pharmacological treatment for dementia caused by a sedentary lifestyle is exercise.This study aimed to determine the effect of resistance training and aerobic exercise on BDNF levels in women with a sedentary lifestyle.
Material & Methods. Experimental and control groups before and after were used in this experimental study. People were selected through random sampling, and after they were selected, three groups were formed: the treatment group (RT) received a resistance exercise intervention, an aerobic exercise intervention was given to the treatment group (AT), while the control group (CO) did not do any activity, just sitting. This study involved thirty-nine healthy women with a sedentary lifestyle. Women aged 18 to 26 years participated as respondents in this study. Data collection took place over the course of two days, beginning with the collection of information regarding the characteristics of the subjects. Then, before the exercise, the subjects had their blood drawn as pre-test data. After then, the participants were told to warm up. Then, the subjects performed physical exercises according to their group. The exercises performed included resistance and aerobic exercises. After the exercise intervention, blood samples were taken as post-test data.
Results. BDNF levels in the resistance training group experienced a significant increase in women with a sedentary lifestyle p<0.05*.
Conclusions. Therefore, these experimental test data provide information that acute resistance training can increase BDNF levels. Resistance training can be recommended as an alternative exercise for people with a sedentary lifestyle to improve cognitive function.
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