Experimental and clinical evidence of physical exercise on BDNF and cognitive function: A comprehensive review from molecular basis to therapy

Understanding how physical exercise (PE) can influence brain function, especially cognition, through the modulatory effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been extensively studied over the past few decades. Several studies have reported a relationship between PE and brain function in animals and humans. Recently, evidence has shown that exercise positively affects brain structure and brain functions such as learning and memory. Furthermore, the beneficial effect of voluntary physical activity on cognitive performance through modulating neurotrophic factors has been reported. This review aims to shed light on our current knowledge of how PE affects brain structure and the molecular events in brain areas associated with functions such as learning and memory processes. We provide evidence that exercise can improve common therapies against cognitive deficits through developing BDNF level in brain. We also highlight the critical role of exercise as a modulator of the relationship between cognition and BDNF alternations in neuropsychiatric disorders, based on animal and human research. Finally, the effects of physical activity on BDNF based on experimental and clinical studies will be addressed.