The Effect of a Whole Body Vibration Period on Serum BDNF Levels in Obese Postmenopausal Women

 One of the key factors involved in central nervous system  performance is neurotrophins, including BDNF, which decrease with menopause. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a whole body vibration period on serum BDNF levels in obese postmenopausal women.

In this  semi-experimental study, 24 obese postmenopausal women aged 45-55 years  with an average weight 72/5±5 in Khorramabad city were divided into two groups of 12: 1- without training 2- whole body vibration training. Whole body vibration training group performs these exercises for 12 weeks and three times a week, with a frequency of 30-50 Hz, with an amplitude of 1-2 mm by applying 20 to 30 minutes of vibration, 5 to 15 minutes of upper and lower limb training. 48 hours before the start of the training program and 48 hours after the end of the 12 week training program; Blood sampling and body composition indices were measured. ELISA method was used to measure serum BDNF levels.  Data were analyzed using independent t-test and covariance at the significance level of 0.05.

Results Significant decrease in morphometric indices such as body fat percentage (P = 0.023), body mass index (P = 0.012), and body weight (P = 0.038), as well as significant increase At serum BDNF levels (P < 0.026), the whole body showed vibration compared to the control group.

It seems that the beneficial effects of vibration exercises on increasing BDNF can be a factor in reducing the negative effects of menopause on cognitive function, learning and memory, especially spatial memory.