Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and time-trial performance in older untrained men

The research question was to evaluate whether 12 weeks of combined aerobic and resistance training would alter neuroplasticity of the brain by measuring the serum brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in older men. An additional question was whether the 12 week training would alter the ability to complete a self-paced cycling trial. Previous work suggests that brain neuroplasticity would be altered but there is no indication that it would alter the self paced endurance ability. To evaluate these questions eight healthy sedentary older men aged between 52.5-63.7 years completed the training and exercise cycling trials. The results showed that neuroplasticity was altered since BDNF decreased significantly after 12 weeks of training. However, there was no improvement in self-paced cycling performance although the physiological strain to complete the performance was improved. The results are limited to the age group and the specific self-paced exercise protocol. physiological strain for a comparable performance.