The Effect of 6 Weeks of High Intensity Circuit Resistance Training on Plasma Level of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Inactive Men

How molecular changes associated with synaptic plasticity in different types of training are yet unknown. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of 6 weeks of high intensity circuit resistance training on plasma level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in inactive men. For this purpose, 20 inactive men (aged between 18 and 25 and weight: 60-80 kg) were randomly divided into resistance training and control groups. Resistance training group performed circuit resistance training (intensity: 75-80% of 1RM) for six weeks. Blood samples were collected 24 hours before training and 48 hours after the last training session. Changes in BDNF level were measured using an ELISA kit. Dependent and independent t tests were used for intragroup and intergroup comparisons at significant level of P˂0.05. The results showed that 6 weeks of resistance training significantly increased BDNF level (P=0.022). Also, the plasma BDNF level in the resistance training group was significantly higher than the control group (P=0.024). Possibly, resistance training can play a beneficial role in synaptic plasticity in inactive person by an increase in BDNF level.