Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-22-2018
Abstract
Background
Pairing a bout of high-intensity exercise with motor task practice can enhance motor learning beyond task practice alone, which is thought, in part, to be facilitated by an exercise-related increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The purpose of the current study was to examine the effect of different exercise intensities on BDNF levels and motor learning while controlling for exercise-related energy expenditure.Methods
Forty-eight young, healthy participants were assigned to one of three groups: high-intensity exercise [High], low-intensity exercise [Low], or quiet rest [Rest]. The duration of the exercise bouts were individually adjusted so that each participant expended 200 kcals regardless of exercise intensity. BDNF was measured before and after exercise or rest. After exercise or rest, all participants practiced a 3-dimensional motor learning task, which involved reach movements made to sequentially presented targets. Retention was tested after 24-h. BDNF genotype was determined for each participant to explore its effects on BDNF and motor learning.Results
All participants equally improved performance, indicated by a reduction in time to complete the task. However, the kinematic profile used to control the reach movement differed by group. The Rest group travelled the shortest distance between the targets, the High group had higher reach speed (peak velocity), and the Low group had earlier peak velocities. The rise in BDNF post-exercise was not significant, regardless of exercise intensity, and the change in BDNF was not associated with motor learning. The BDNF response to exercise did not differ by genotype. However, performance differed between those with the polymorphism (Met carriers) and those without (Val/Val). Compared to the Val/Val genotype, Met carriers had faster response times throughout task practice, which was supported by higher reach speeds and earlier peak velocities.Conclusion
Results indicated that both low and high-intensity exercise can alter the kinematic approach used to complete a reach task, and these changes appear unrelated to a change in BDNF. In addition, the BDNF genotype did not influence BDNF concentration, but it did have an effect on motor performance of a sequential target reach task.Recommended Citation
Baird, J.F., Gaughan, M.E., Saffer, H.M., Sarzynski, M.A., Herter, T.M., Fritz, S.L., Den Ouden, D.B. & Stewart, J.C. (2018) The Effect of Energy-Matched Exercise Intensity on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Motor Learning. Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, 156, 33-44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nlm.2018.10.008
Peer Reviewed
1
Copyright
Elsevier
Creative Commons License
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Comments
NOTICE: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Neurobiology of Learning and Memory. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, volume 156, in 2018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nlm.2018.10.008
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