Increase in Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor After Cycling Exercise Resisting Electrically Stimulated Antagonist Muscle Contractions in Overweight Japanese People: A Randomized, Controlled, Single-Blind, Crossover Trial.

BACKGROUND

A hybrid training system (HTS) combining antagonist muscle electrical stimulation and voluntary muscle contraction has been developed using electrically stimulated eccentric antagonist muscle contractions. The exercise method that combines a conventional cycle ergometer with HTS (HERG) adds additional exercise intensity to the conventional cycle ergometer through electrical stimulation. Exercise-induced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) production appears to have neuroprotective effects and contributes to improved metabolic regulation. Changes in BDNF after exercise are related to exercise intensity. Therefore, combining a cycle ergometer with electrical stimulation may be an effective approach.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the HERG on BDNF secretion.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

Fourteen healthy adults participated in the study. The participants performed two types of exercise at the anaerobic threshold: HERG and a cycling ergometer alone (CERG). A comparative study using a 2×2 crossover method was conducted to examine the differences in BDNF and lactate levels after HERG and CERG. A linear mixed model was used to compare changes in BDNF between HERG and CERG.

RESULTS

Both HERG and CERG significantly increased BDNF and lactate levels after exercise. In overweight individuals with a BMI of 25 or higher, the change in BDNF levels after HERG was significantly greater than after CERG [ΔBDNF: 5500.96±7965.83 ng/ml, 1921.29±5308.22 ng/ml, respectively; p=0.0339]. There was no significant difference in the change in lactate levels after exercise between HERG and CERG (p=0.8632).

CONCLUSION

In overweight individuals, HERG increased post-exercise serum BDNF levels more than ergometer exercise alone, despite the exercise intensity remaining the same at the anaerobic threshold. The exercise method that combines the HERG may be a useful form of exercise for overweight individuals.