Effects of aerobic exercise on memory functions and serum levels of BDNF and TrkB in young adult and older adult male football players.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise on verbal memory (VM) and non-verbal memory (NVM) functions as well as BDNF and TrkB serum levels in young and older adult male football players.

METHODS

Twenty-nine male football players voluntarily participated in this study and were divided into two age groups: G1 (young; 19-30 years old, n = 15, football experience 10.6 ± 2.79 years) and G2 (older; 46-71 years old, n = 14, football experience 35.78 ± 9.48 years). Serum BDNF and TrkB levels and performance on the VM and NVM tests were measured before and after a 60-min aerobic exercise session. A 2 (Time) x 2 (Group) mixed-model repeated measures ANOVA test was used to detect the effects of exercise and age differences.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant time × group interaction of age and exercise on BDNF and TrkB levels (p < 0.01, p < 0.001; respectively). However, this interaction was not observed for VM and NVM (p = 0.751, p = 0.869; respectively). There was also a significant effect of the group on BDNF, TrkB, and NVM (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.01; respectively), whereas there was not a significant effect on VM (p = 0.094). Furthermore, there was a significant effect of time on BDNF, TrkB, and VM (p < 0.001, for all); but not on NVM (p = 0.110).

CONCLUSION

Regular football training participation can maintain BDNF levels as a neurotrophin that can improve cognitive functions. Likewise, this neurotrophin and its receptor's response to aerobic exercise in old age suggests the effectiveness of exercise as a preventive strategy against age-related memory loss and neurodegeneration.