Changes in the BDNF Response to Resistance Exercise is Associated with Changes in Power Performance in Experienced, Resistance‐Trained Men
Authors: Church David D , Hoffman Jay R , Mangine Gerald T , Jajtner Adam R , Townsend Jeremy R , Beyer Kyle S , Wang Ran , Fukuda David H , Stout Jeffrey R 
Published: November 2023

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been demonstrated to have an important role in neuronal remodeling and modulating synaptic plasticity and neurotransmitter release. Acute elevations in BDNF concentrations have been seen following resistance exercise (RE), however knowledge regarding the training response from different resistance training protocols is limited. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine changes in circulating BDNF concentrations at rest and in response to exercise following 8‐weeks of resistance training in experienced, resistance trained men. Twenty resistance trained men were randomly assigned to either a high intensity (HI; n=10, 22.6±2.3 y; 87.0±15.1 kg; 1.79±0.05m) or high volume (HV; n=10, 24.5±2.6 y; 89.5±12.9 kg; 1.66±0.34m) training protocol. Power outputs were determined by a linear velocity transducer attached to the barbell during one repetition maximum (1RM) assessment of the bench press (BP) and squat (SQT) exercises. Prior to the 8‐week resistance training program (PRE), participants performed an acute bout of exercise using either the HI (3–5 reps; 90% 1‐RM) or HV (10–12 reps; 70% 1‐RM) training paradigm. The acute exercise protocol was repeated following the 8‐week training program (POST). Blood samples were obtained prior to (BL), immediately (IP), 30 min (30P) and 60 min (60P) post‐exercise at PRE and POST. Area under the curve with respect to increase (AUCi) was determined using the trapezoidal method and subtracting the distance from baseline at all measurements. Raw data were square root transformed due to non‐normality. Data was analyzed using a training x group repeated measures ANOVA, and bivariate relationships were examined using Pearson product‐moment correlations. No significant main effects for training (p=0.408) or significant (p=0.483) interactions were observed for AUCi. However, a significant main effect for group (p=0.044) was observed. Post hoc analysis demonstrated AUCi values were not significantly different between groups at PRE (p=0.339), but were at POST (p=0.032). No significant differences in circulating concentrations for resting BDNF or in the training response was noted following 8‐week training program for either HI or HV. However, significant correlations were noted between the change in BDNF AUCi and the change in peak power output during the BP exercise (r=0.594, p=0.006) and the change in relative peak power BP (r=0.600, p=0.005). The results of this study indicated that 8‐weeks of resistance training did not alter BL or the AUCi response of BDNF to an acute bout of resistance exercise in resistance trained men. However, an acute HV bout elicited significantly higher BDNF AUCi as compared to HI after 8 weeks of training but not before. In addition, changes in BDNF AUCi appear to be related to changes in power output during the BP exercise only.