High intensity exercise increases brain derived neurotrophic factor expression and number of hippocampal neurons in rats

The decrease in brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and number of hippocampal neurons are two indicators in the decrease of memory function, cognitive, and learning function. The present study aimed to determine BDNF expression and the number of hippocampal neurons on moderate and high intensity exercise by listening to music. Design of the present study was a randomised control group post-test only design. A total of 33 male rats, Rattus norvegicus strain Wistar, aged eight weeks, with body weight 160±20 g were randomly divided into three groups: Group 1 (G1) (n=11, control group without intervention), Group 2 (G2) (n=11, performed moderate intensity exercise, treadmill 14-16 m/min for 30 min by listening to pop music with fast tempo of 160 beats/min) and Group 3 (G3) (n=11, high intensity exercise, treadmill 22-25 m/min for 20 min by listening to pop music with fast tempo of 160 beats/min). The intervention was performed between 17:00-21:00 pm, three times per week for 12 weeks. Blood and brain samples were obtained and evaluated 12 h after the end of the last exercise. BDNF serum was measured using ELISA and hippocampal neurons were stained by haematoxylin-eosin and counted using OlyVIA software. Study results showed a BDNF for G1 of 1,098.14±135.31 pg/ml, G2 of 1,113.72±65.87 pg/ml, and G3 of 1,331.56±105.35 pg/ml (P=0.001). The total number of hippocampal neurons for G1 was 54.75±6.83 cells, for G2 59.87±7.68 cells, and G3 80.58±9.79 cells (P=0.001). According to the study it can be concluded that high intensity exercise combined by listening to music with a fast tempo of 160 beats/min increases BDNF expression and the number of hippocampal neurons.