Neuroprotective Effects of Exercise Treatments After Injury: The Dual Role of Neurotrophic Factors

Current Neuropharmacology, 2017 · DOI: 10.2174/1570159X14666160330105132 · Published: March 30, 2017

Simple Explanation

Exercise promotes neuroprotection by activating mechanisms like neurogenesis, enhancing the neurovascular unit, reducing apoptosis, and modulating inflammation. Exercise can be used as a treatment to protect from nerve damage and stroke, and to promote regeneration of injured axons and reduce neuropathic pain. The neurovascular unit, consisting of neuronal, glial and vascular cells, is reinforced by exercise training but its stability is compromised by nerve lesions.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review Article

Key Findings

1
Sustained exercise, especially at moderate intensity early after injury, has anti-inflammatory and pro-regenerative effects and can improve cognitive and motor functions in aging and neurological disorders.
2
Exercise modalities can differently affect the production and function of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and other neurotrophins involved in the generation of neuropathic conditions.
3
New exercise strategies can be directed to nerve injuries with therapeutical benefits.

Research Summary

Physical activity exerts neuroprotective effects conveyed by multiple mechanisms to peripheral and central neurons. Neuroprotective and pro-regenerative effects of exercise have been associated to modulation of neurotrophic factors. High intensity exercise reduces brain neurotrophins similarly to the activation of metabolic and glucocorticoid stress responses.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation after nerve injuries

Exercise protocols can be easily applied to induce neuroprotection in the setting of rehabilitation after nerve injuries but several critical parameters should take into account.

Tuning exercise intensity

The intensity of activity can be tuned up to reach more efficaciously the aimed outcome of training.

Timing of exercise treatment

The time window of exercise treatment after injury is another critical parameter. Since chronic and acute physical activity can have opposite effects on neuroprotection, this duality should be better assumed, particularly in individuals with underlying inflammatory conditions.

Study Limitations

1
The mechanisms underlying the potential benefits have not been determined yet.
2
The intensity, time and duration of different types of exercise have not been conclusively determined.
3
It is still unclear to date by human studies as physical exercise can be used to make a proper device level of neuroprotection after nerve injury.

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