The Effect of Physical Activity on Neurotrophin Concentrations and Cognitive Control in Patients With a Depressive Episode

BackgroundCognitive deficits occur in most patients with affective disorders. The role of neurotrophic factors (e.g., BDNF) as modulators of brain plasticity affecting neurocognitive abilities has been emphasized. Neurotrophin concentrations may change under the influence of various interventions, including physical activity. Selected studies have shown that cognitive function may also be affected by exercise. AimThe aim of the study was to determine whether physical activity changes the concentration of neurotrophins and their receptors in patients with an episode of depression. It was also examined how one session of aerobic exercise affects cognitive control. MethodsThe study included 41 participants. The subjects were asked to exercise on a cycloergometer for 40 min with individually selected exercise loads (70% VO(2)max). Before and shortly after the exercise blood samples were acquired to perform blood assays (proBDNF, BDNF, TrkB, NGFR). The participants also performed a Stroop test twice-before the exercise and 10 min after its cessation. ResultsThe single bout of physical exercise did not cause any significant changes in the concentration of neurotrophic factors. The SCWT results: both the mean reading time (29.3 s vs. 47.8 s) and the color naming time (36.7 s vs. 50.7 s) increased. The patients made more mistakes after physical exercise, both in part A (0.2 vs. 1.5) and B (0.6 vs. 1.5). The so-called interference effect decreased-the difference between naming and reading times was smaller after exercise (6.2 s vs. 2.4 s). No significant correlations were found between the concentrations of the studied neurotrophic factors and the Stroop test results. ConclusionsThe results did not confirm changes in neurotrophin concentration under the influence of a single session of physical activity. The shortening of the interference time after exercise may be caused by practice effects. A significant limitation of the study is the use of the Stroop test twice in short intervals.

Automated summary

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise on neurotrophin concentration and cognitive control in patients with depression. The results showed that a single bout of aerobic exercise did not cause significant changes in neurotrophin concentrations. However, the shortening of interference time after exercise may be due to practice effects. The study suggests that exercise may affect cognitive function in patients with depression.