How are BDNF and Sport related?

The relationship between BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) and exercise is well-studied, though not directly addressed in the provided context. BDNF is a protein that supports neuronal survival, growth, and synaptic plasticity, playing a key role in learning and memory. Numerous human studies demonstrate that aerobic exercise (e.g., running, cycling) increases BDNF levels in blood and brain. This rise is associated with improved cognitive function, mood enhancement, and neuroprotection. Evidence comes from randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses showing moderate-to-strong effects of endurance training on peripheral BDNF. Resistance training shows weaker or inconsistent effects. Importantly, individual BDNF responses vary with exercise intensity, duration, genetics (e.g., Val66Met polymorphism), and baseline fitness. Direct-to-consumer genetic tests claiming to personalize training based on BDNF variants lack validation. The clinical utility of measuring peripheral BDNF for exercise prescription remains unclear. Safety note: Overtraining may reduce BDNF and promote inflammation. Overall, the evidence linking sport and BDNF is graded as human-moderate, as most studies show associations but causal mechanisms in humans are not fully established.