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The Role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in the Relation between Physical Activity and Executive
Julie Latomme1, Patrick Calders2, Hilde Van Waelvelde2
1Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
Insights
Acute physical activity (PA) may boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and improve children's inhibition skills. However, chronic PA did not show a significant association with executive functions or BDNF levels in this study.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Exercise Science
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Physical activity (PA) is linked to improved executive functioning (EF) in children.
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a potential mediator between PA and EF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of acute and chronic PA on BDNF levels and EF in children.
- To examine if BDNF mediates the relationship between chronic PA and EF.
Main Methods:
- 47 children (mean age 9.69) underwent maximal exercise testing for acute PA assessment.
- BDNF levels and EF were measured before and after acute PA.
- Chronic PA was assessed via proxy report; mediation analyses were conducted.
Main Results:
- A borderline significant increase in BDNF was observed after acute PA (+29.58 pg/mL).
- Significant improvements were noted in inhibition tasks (Flanker and Go/No-Go) following acute PA.
- No significant correlations were found between chronic PA and EF or BDNF.
Conclusions:
- Acute PA may enhance BDNF levels and specific EF components like inhibition in children.
- Chronic PA did not demonstrate a significant association with executive functioning or BDNF in this cohort.
- Further research is needed to clarify the long-term impact of PA on cognitive development.
Abstract:
Physical activity (PA) can improve children's executive functioning (EF), which might be caused by increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This study investigated whether acute and/or chronic PA leads to increased BDNF levels and enhanced EF in children. Methods: In total, 47 children (mean age 9.69 ± 0.60; 46.8% boys) participated. Children performed a maximal exercise test to measure acute PA. Before and after, BDNF was collected and EF was measured. Chronic PA was proxy-reported. Repeated Measures ANOVAs were performed to study the effect of acute PA on BDNF and EF. Mediation analyses were performed to investigate the mediation effect of BDNF on the association between chronic PA and BDNF. Results: A borderline significant effect of acute PA on BDNF was found (F = 3.32, p = 0.075) with an increase in BDNF (+29.58 pg/mL) after acute PA. A significant effect was found for performance on inhibition tasks (Flanker (accuracy +5.67%, p = 0.034) and Go/No-Go (+0.15%, p = 0.022)). No effect of acute PA was found on the EF outcomes. No significant correlation between chronic PA and EFs nor BDNF was found. Conclusions: Acute PA might increase BDNF and improve some EFs (i.e., inhibition) in children. Chronic PA was not associated with EF nor BDNF. Trial Registration Number: NCT02503579.
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