The effect of endurance and circuit resistance training on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor and cortisol in inactive male students: A randomized clinical trial

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has an important role on nervous system growth and development. Animal studies have shown that exercise affects serum levels of BDNF. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of endurance and circuit resistance training on BDNF and serum cortisol in inactive males. In this clinical trial study، 30 inactive males were randomly divided into 3 groups: endurance training، resistance training، and control groups. The endurance training group performed interval running for 30-45 minutes at the intensity of 60-75% of maximum heart rate during 4 weeks. The resistance training group performed circuit resistance training at the intensity of 60-75% with one repeated maximum، 3 days in a week for 4 weeks. Blood samples were taken before and 48 hours after experimental period to assess serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and cortisol. Circuit endurance and resistance training increased significantly the serum concentration of BDNF (P<0. 001). There was no intergroup difference between training groups (P>0. 05). The intergroup difference was only observed between endurance training and control groups (P<0. 001). Moreover، both endurance and circuit resistance training had no significant effect on serum cortisol levels (P>0. 05). According to the findings of the present study، it can be concluded that endurance and circuit resistance training increase neurotropic factors which may lead to structural and functional adaptation in nervous system.