Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in blood increases transiently after single sessions of moderate intensity exercise in obese females

This study aimed to analyze the increase in serum BDNF levels after moderate�intensity exercise in obese females. This study used the True-Experimental method with the Randomized Control Group Pre-test-Post-test design. A total of 14 obese female adolescents aged 19-24 years participated in this study and were divided into two groups, i.e., the control group (CG, n=7) and the moderate�intensity exercise group (MIEG, n=7). The exercise was performed with an intensity of 64 – 76 HRmax for 40 minutes using a Richter Treadmill (4.0 HP DC). Moderate�intensity exercise was carried out in one intervention. Blood sampling was carried out before and after moderate-intensity exercise on the cubital vein as much as 3 ml. Examination of serum BDNF levels using the ELISA method. The data analysis technique used the Independent Samples T-Test test with SPSS version 21. The results of statistical analysis show that the mean pre-test serum BDNF levels were
CG (258.66±27.11 pg/mL), MIEG (252.48±23.17 pg/mL), and (p=0.865). The mean
post-test serum BDNF levels were CG (236.22±20.83 pg/mL), MIEG
(497.73±59.55 pg/mL), and (p=0.001). The mean delta of serum BDNF levels on CG (-22.43±26.04), MIEG (245.25±61.57 pg/mL), and (p=0.002). Based on the
study results, it is concluded that a single session of moderate-intensity exercise in the morning increases serum BDNF levels in obese females. It is recommended for future research comparing acute vs. chronic exercise to increase serum BDNF levels.