The Influence of 5-HTTLPR and BDNF Polymorphisms on Anxiety and Mood After Acute Exercise

The Influence of 5-HTTLPR and BDNF Polymorphisms on Anxiety and Mood After Acute Exercise.

Introduction: The 5-HTTLPR (SLC6A4) and BDNF (Val66Met) polymorphism presents an action on the modulation of human behavior and has received great attention as a risk factor for several psychiatric disorders. In recent years, a growing number of studies have evaluated the association between these polymorphisms and personality traits related to anxiety and depression. Objectives: To determine the frequencies of 5-HTTLPR and BDNF polymorphisms in a college students population; To determine the influence of 5-HTTLPR and BDNF polymorphisms on mood states and anxiety after acute physical exercise. Material and Methods: Four hundred (400) College students will be assessed.

In the first phase of the study, the following procedures will be performed: Screening, Aerobic Fitness Assessment (Step Test), Questionnaires (PAR-Q, Habitual Physical Activity Level, Beck Anxiety and Depression Scale, State-Trait Anxiety, and Perceived Stress Scale), blood sample collection and genotyping. In the second phase of the study, two (2) groups with or without polymorphisms will be selected (for each gene). These groups will be submitted to four conditions (three experimental conditions and one control condition), carried out randomly and separated by an interval of 1 week. In the experimental Conditions the volunteers will perform treadmill exercises sessions (30 minutes) in three different intensities (light, moderate and vigorous) and will respond to the Borg Scale at 10, 20 e 30 minutes. In the control condition the volunteers will be instructed to remain seated (quiet rest), relaxed and silent for 30 minutes. In both conditions, the volunteers will complete the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and State-Anxiety (STAY), 05 (five) minutes before and, 5 (five) and 20 (twenty) minutes following the interventions.