Effects of Different Intensity Aerobic Exercise on Circulating Levels of Neurotrophic Factor in Healthy and Hyperlipidemic Adults in A Local Population

Objective: The present study is to compare the pre and post serum BDNF levels in healthy and hyperlipidemic population at baseline and post 12 weeks of exercise and to correlate the pre and post serum BDNF levels in healthy and hyperlipidemic population at baseline and post 12 weeks of exercise. Study Design: Two arm follow up non-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT). Place and Duration of Study: Physiology department, Basic Medical Science Institute (BMSI), Jinnah Post-Graduate Medical Center (JPMC), Karachi Methodology: A total 258 participants of any age were divided into two groups: 129 participants in one of the two groups, Group-1 adult hyperlipidemic group and Group-2 healthy adults group. Both groups were additional divided into 3 subgroups with different exercise intensity i.e. light, moderate and high intensity exercise. To evaluate the health status of participants, graded exercise test by using Bruce protocol and the HRmax was performed and given a specific exercise program for 12 weeks. The test was a conducted as per Bruce protocol (Smith 2013), using a treadmill with heart rate monitoring and ECG monitor. Blood sample had been taken for the analysis of total cholesterol and serum levels of BDNF. Results: Mean levels of brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) of healthy and hyperlipidemic participants in all three different intensity exercise group (A, B, and C) at baseline and three follow-ups shown no statistically significant difference between LIEG on BDNF level from baseline (day zero) till three consecutive follow ups (p>0.05). While, in moderate (p<0.05) and high intensity participants (p<0.01) demonstrated an increase in BDNF levels at 90th day when compared from baseline i.e. day zero. Prominently, no significant difference observed at baseline (p>0.05), however a significant difference was found at day 30, 60 and 90 (p <0.05, 20.01, <0.001) respectively. Conclusion: In light of our findings we conclude that 12 weeks of moderate to high intensity exercise progress cognitive function, serum BDNF levels, and improved lipid profile parameters, while low intensity exercise showed no significant mean difference for healthy participants.