High-Intensity Locomotor Exercise Increases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Individuals with Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA, 2017 · DOI: 10.1089/neu.2016.4532 · Published: March 15, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Neuroplasticity Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how different intensities of treadmill exercise affect levels of a brain-health protein (BDNF) in people with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). The researchers also looked at whether a specific gene variation influences how BDNF levels change with exercise intensity. The findings suggest that higher intensity exercise leads to greater increases in BDNF levels, and this effect might be different for people with a particular gene variation.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

11 individuals with incomplete SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Serum BDNF significantly increased at high exercise intensities compared to moderate intensities and post-exercise.
2
Changes in BDNF were correlated with indicators of exercise intensity, such as perceived exertion.
3
Individuals with the Val66Met SNP may not experience the same intensity-dependent changes in serum BDNF.

Research Summary

The study evaluated the effect of locomotor exercise intensity on peripheral levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in individuals with incomplete SCI. Results demonstrated a significant increase in serum BDNF at high, as compared to moderate, exercise intensities and 15 and 30 min post-exercise. The data suggest that Val66Met SNP carriers may not exhibit intensity-dependent changes in serum BDNF concentration.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategies

High-intensity exercise may be an important parameter in physical rehabilitation interventions for individuals with neurological injury, potentially promoting neuroplastic changes.

Personalized Medicine

Genetic factors, such as the Val66Met SNP, may influence the effectiveness of high-intensity rehabilitation, suggesting a need for personalized approaches.

Future Research

Further research is needed to determine the long-term effects of high-intensity training and to explore the impact of genetic variations on rehabilitation outcomes.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size (n = 11)
2
Debate on using peripheral BDNF levels as a direct biomarker for central BDNF levels.
3
The exercise intensities were introduced in a continuous, ordered pattern, which limits the ability to determine the relative effects of exercise intensity, duration of exercise, or previous exercise.

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