Effects of aerobic training and following detraining on continuous attention and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in sedentary girl students

Studies show that exercise has positive effects on the central nervous system and cognition. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an important factor affecting cognitive function and has been recently discussed in a bulk trend of efforts in the health context. Due to the inadequate information about the effects of aerobic training and detraining period on the attention and serum’s BDNF in sedentary girls, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 4 weeks of aerobic training on continuous attention, BDNF, and probable mechanisms of this effect (i.e. Neurotrophic factors) in sedentary girls. Twelve sedentary girls (mean age= 23.90±1.92), voluntarily participated in the study. They started their workout exercises under the aerobic protocol for four weeks. The PASAT test and blood sampling were conducted in three stages including pretest, after four weeks of training and after following four weeks of the detraining period. To analyze the data, repeated measures and Pearson's correlation coefficient were applied at a significance level of P≤0.05. The results showed that four weeks of aerobic training led to a significant increase in continuous attention (P<0.05). However, the serum BDNF levels were negatively correlated with aerobic training (P<0.05). Both of these factors were restored after following four weeks of detraining. Also, the correlation between changes in the continuous attention and expression of BDNF was not statistically significant (P=0.85). Generally, the findings indicated that physical activity can improve continuous attention and adaptation of serum’s BDNF. However, these adaptations were dissipated after detraining.