of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in active women

In the present study, the effect of eight weeks of interval hypoxic training (respiratory control method) on the serum level of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in active women was envestigated. Fourteen active women were randomly assigned to either the control (n=7) or experimental (n=7) group . The women in the control group performed running interval training under normoxi condition and the subjects in the experimental group performed runnig interval under hypoxic condition for eight weeks. At the beginning of the survey and 24 hours after the last training session of the eighth week, the blood samples of both groups were collected to determine serum Brain-derived neurotrophic factor level. Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Leven's test were used to determine normal distribution of data and homogeneity variation of groups, respectively. For data analysis, statistical methods including paired and independent-samples t-test at a significance level (p≤0.05) were used. The results showed a significant increase in serum levels of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor after eight-week interval hypoxic training compared to the interval training . In this regard, the study of betweengroups’differences showed that there is significant difference between post-test phase of control and experimental groups (P≤0.036). While, the study of withingroups’ differences showed that there was no significant difference between pre and post-test phase in control group after eight-week interval training (P=0.157).The difference was significant in experimental group (P≤0.011). The results of the present study suggest interval hypoxic training has an additive effect in the levels of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in active women. Thus, it is a good substitution for training at altitude and blood flow restriction training in terms of time of performing physical activity, cost and implementation. Therefore, combining sport training with hypoxic and obtaining the desired results in shorter time seems to be an appropriate strategy.