The Effect of Acute Plyometric Exercise with / without Vitamin C Supplementation on Serum BDNF Concentration in Inactive Men

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of acute plyometric exercise with and without vitamin C supplementation on serum BDNF concentration in inactive men. In this semi-experimental study, 36 inactive men were randomly divided into four groups: vitamin笗ꭲ⬞ (combination), vitamin C, exercise, and control. The exercise and combination groups performed the selected plyometric protocol. Also, vitamin and combination groups consumed a 500-mg vitamin C capsule daily for 1 week. Blood samples were collected before and after the exercise protocol in order to measure BDNF. BDNF levels were measured by a laboratory kit and ELIZA method. Independent t test, one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test were used to compare the differences of the groups. Serum BDNF levels significantly changed after consumption of vitamin C and acute plyometric exercise compared with control group. Also, vitamin C consumption with no exercise significantly increased serum BDNF; but plyometric exercise alone could not significantly change serum BDNF concentration. It seems that plyometric exercise with vitamin C may be beneficial to extend cognitive and functional benefits of the brain.