Effects of a single bout of maximal aerobic exercise on BDNF in bipolar disorder: A gender-based response

Acute exercise increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) serum levels in majorly depressed and anxious patients. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has evaluated the acute effects of exercise on BDNF serum levels in Bipolar Disorder (BD). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the peripheral BDNF serum response to a single maximum session of exercise in BD participants and age- and gender-matched healthy participants. BD participants (n=18) and age- and gender-matched healthy participants (n=18) were recruited to perform a single bout of maximal exercise on a cycle ergometer. Blood samples were collected prior to and immediately after the exercise protocol. There was a significant group effect and a significant group x time x gender interaction. BD participants presented significantly higher BDNF serum levels when compared to their healthy control counterparts. Exercise increases the BDNF levels of BD women, but not men.