Resistance Exercise Intensity Does Not Influence Neurotrophic Factors Response in Equated Volume Schemes

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of 2 different intensities of resistance training (RT) bouts, performed with the equated total load lifted (TLL), on the acute responses of neurotrophic factors (NFs) (brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF]; and nerve growth factor [NGF]), as well as on metabolic (lactate concentration) and hormonal (salivary cortisol concentration) responses. Thirty participants (males, 22.8 ± 2.3 years old, 177 ± 6.8 cm, 75.5 ± 7.9 kg, n = 15; and females, 22.2 ± 1.7 years, 163.7 ± 6.5 cm, 57 ± 7.6 kg, n = 15) performed 2 separate acute RT bouts with one week between trials. One bout consisted of 4 sets of 5 submaximal repetitions at 70% of 1RM and the other of 4 sets of 10 submaximal repetitions at 35% of 1RM for each exercise. Both RT bouts were conducted using the bench press and squat exercises. The TLL in each bout (determined by sets x repetitions x load [kg]) was equated. Serum BDNF, serum NGF, salivary cortisol, and blood lactate concentration were determined pre- and post-RT. No significant pre- to post-exercise increase in neurotrophic factors (p > 0.05; BDNF; effect size = 0.46 and NGF; effect size = 0.48) was observed for either of the RT bouts. A similar increase in blood lactate concentration was observed pre- to post-exercise for both RT bouts (p < 0.05). Cortisol increased similarly for both RT bouts, when compared to the resting day condition (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the results suggest that, despite differences in RT schemes, a similar acute neurotrophic, metabolic and hormonal response was observed when the TLL is equated.