Molecular mechanisms of the physical exercise-induced increase of brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels: a systematic review.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review of human studies.
PubMed 42183760 · doi:10.18097/PBMCE0039
What was done
This PRISMA-guided systematic review searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect for human studies published within the last 10 years examining the effect of physical exercise (comparing moderate- and high-intensity exercise) on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. Animal studies were excluded. From 152 identified publications, 10 peer-reviewed articles were included.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical values, effect sizes, or statistical significance metrics. Qualitatively, the review reports that physical exercise increases BDNF levels in humans, and that high-intensity exercise is more effective in elevating BDNF levels than moderate-intensity exercise.
Why it matters
This review synthesizes human evidence suggesting exercise intensity modulates BDNF response, supporting high-intensity exercise protocols for neurotrophic support and cognitive health.
Limits
The abstract provides no quantitative data, effect sizes, or meta-analytic pooling across the 10 included studies. It omits participant characteristics, exercise modalities and durations, primary study designs (e.g., whether studies were randomized controlled trials), and specific molecular mechanisms.
Cited by
- supports Aerobic exercise stimulates the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), promotes neurogenesis, and increases brain plasticity.