This study investigates whether, after six weeks of exercise, a genetic variant (Val66Met) in the gene that makes a molecule (BDNF) important for brain health and function, influences the beneficial effects of a further session of exercise in sedentary, healthy males. The aim of this research is to determine whether not having this genetic variant (Val66Met) provides an advantage for achieving greater exercise-induced benefits. After six consecutive weeks of exercise (high-intensity interval training (HIIT), three times per week), the effects of a further session of exercise on brain activity are studied in healthy, sedentary males with and without the BDNF genetic variant. Further, whether the BDNF genetic variant impacts the effects of six weeks of aerobic exercise on blood BDNF levels, memory and cardiorespiratory fitness is examined. This data will help to understand whether genetic factors moderate the beneficial effects of exercise. Understanding what factors influence the effectiveness of exercise training programs is essential to individualize exercise programs and maximize their positive effects on the brain and during rehabilitation following brain injuries.
Name: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
Description: Corticospinal excitability as measured by single-pulse TMS-evoked responses in a hand and forearm muscles.
Measure: Corticospinal excitability Time: 8 weeksDescription: Intracortical circuits as measured by paired-pulse TMS-evoked responses in a hand muscle
Measure: Intracortical circuits Time: 8 weeksDescription: Spinal circuits as measured by spinal Hoffman reflexes from a forearm muscle
Measure: Spinal circuits Time: 8 weeksDescription: Serum levels of BDNF as assessed by ELISA
Measure: Blood BDNF Time: 8 weeksDescription: Serum levels of cathepsin B as assessed by ELISA
Measure: Cathepsin B Time: 8 weeksDescription: Serum levels of IGF-1 as assessed by ELISA
Measure: IGF-1 Time: 8 weeksDescription: Serum levels of VEGF as assessed by ELISA
Measure: VEGF Time: 8 weeksDescription: Serum levels of osteocalcin as assessed by ELISA
Measure: Osteocalcin Time: 8 weeksDescription: Working memory as assessed by the Automated Operation Span (OSPAN) Task
Measure: Working memory Time: 8 weeksDescription: Cardiorespiratory fitness as assessed by VO2 peak test
Measure: Cardiorespiratory fitness Time: 8 weeksAllocation: Non-Randomized
Parallel Assignment
There is one SNP
Effects of BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism on the Efficacy of Aerobic Exercise in Sedentary, Healthy Males. --- Val66Met ---
Effects of Genetic Variation on the Efficacy of Aerobic Exercise This study investigates whether, after six weeks of exercise, a genetic variant (Val66Met) in the gene that makes a molecule (BDNF) important for brain health and function, influences the beneficial effects of a further session of exercise in sedentary, healthy males. --- Val66Met ---
The aim of this research is to determine whether not having this genetic variant (Val66Met) provides an advantage for achieving greater exercise-induced benefits. --- Val66Met ---
The objective of this research is to determine whether after six consecutive weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), three times per week, BDNF Val66Met polymorphism impacts the effects of a further HIIT session on corticospinal excitability as well as intracortical and spinal circuitry. --- Val66Met ---
Additionally, this study aims to assess whether BDNF Val66Met polymorphism moderates the effects of six consecutive weeks of HIIT on BDNF, working memory and cardiorespiratory fitness levels. --- Val66Met ---