Bodybuilding and Students Series
Science shows How Your Brain Functions Better after Exercise
By Veeraj V. Goyaram/ Cape Town, South Africa
My parents always say that I became brighter in my studies when I took up
bodybuilding at the age of 14 (Form 4). Later during my undergraduate education, whenever I was stuck with some difficult problem, the same problem would solve itself after a gym session. I was also always in the gym on the eve of most of my major exams. Very often, during my postgraduate education, instead of going home after a grueling night session at the gym, I would go back to the university laboratory and work until late night or early morning. Furthermore, most of the writing of the articles on this website and my masters thesis was done during my post-exercise "mental high" phase. I am sure that most of you must have felt a similar effect.
Your hero found: Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor
 |
| Coaching by a Scientist who lifts! Click here for details |
Resistance and Endurance exercise both increase BDNF
The processes and biological chemicals regulating brain functioning are very complex and as such there may be many molecules, known and yet unknown, that may contribute to the "feel good" effect after exercise. However, quite recently, research has shown that physical activity increases the
expression of a protein called the the brain derived neurotrophic factor
(BDNF) in the brain of rats. Subsequently, several studies were undertaken in
humans to see a) whether this protein is also increased after exercise and b) to establish the link between this increase and the enhancement of mood and
cognitive functions exercise
(Yarrow et al., 2010). Indeed, plasma and/or serum BDNF concentration were increased after exercise in humans (Matthews et al., 2009) and this provided cognitive benefits (described below)
How does BDNF work?
Although originally
thought to be produced only in the brain, BDNF is also produced in a variety of
body tissues, like skeletal muscle (Fig 1) after which it is released into the
bloodstream and transported to the brain. BDNF crosses the blood-brain barrier easily for entry into the brain where it brings about its various functions. Of note, BDNF has activity in the region of the brain called the hippocampus which is involved with memory and learning.
 |
| Figure 1: BDNF protein levels increase in skeletal muscle after exercise The top right picture shows muscle fibres stained for BDNF protein (Pedersen et al, 2010) |
Exercise-induced BDNF provides cognitive mental benefits to students
In
one study by researchers in Texas, USA (Ferris et al., 2007), students were
made to cycle for 20 minutes at two different intensities (low and high). The
researchers used a test called the Stroop Test to assess the cognitive
abilities of the students. This test measures the ability of the brain to deal
with information. The students performed
better at the test after high intensity exercise, as shown in the graph below.
The researchers found that the increase in BDNF after exercise was dependent on
the intensity of the cycling exercise as higher intensity exercise increases
BDNF levels to a greater extent. This explains the better results in the test
at higher intensity.
 |
| Figure 2: Students performed better at the Stroop Test after high intensity cycling exercise compared to low intensity exercise. (Adapted from Ferris et al., 2007) |
Benefits of BDNF not limited to memory,
learning and cognition
Interestingly, the health benefits of exercise-induced BDNF is not limited to the effects of the molecule on the brain. BDNF has also shown promise in obesity and type 2 diabetes. This explains partly why exercise also plays an important role in treating these diseases.
 |
| Figure 3: Medical conditions associated with low circulating levels of BDNF (Pedersen et al., 2006) |
The take-home lessons and a message to parents
- Exercise is one of the greatest remedies for both mental and physical problems. Exercise produces so many factors that aid tremendously in health and your body's functioning. If your doctor only prescribes medications and psychoactive drugs do not hesitate to discuss the possibility of also including an exercise program in your treatment. If you are a medical student, seriously learn more about the kind of studies cited in this and other Bodybuilding Mauritius articles. These research papers show a molecular basis of exercise-induced health improvement. Always keep an open mind and do not become a prescribing machine. Do not select a speciality that will only bring a lot of money. Consider becoming a specialist in exercise and sports medicine. Exercise is indeed medicine.
- If you are a student, balance your studies with some form of exercise. A personal tip is to go to train after school for some time before you start homework and revision. Contrary to what students think, you must not give up training during exams period, probably step down a bit in frequency and intensity. I have personally always been in the gym on the eve of all my major exams. You must plan your study and revision accordingly.
- Do the tasks that require the greatest mental ability after training but don't forget that you also need to recover from training.
- If you are a parent, encourage your child to exercise or participate in sports. Contrary to what you may believe, exercise and sports won't distract your child from his studies. On the contrary, these activities help his studies as has been shown above. Do not pressurise your children to excel in his studies and maybe realise the dream that you couldn't realise. Also don't think that bodybuilding and sports in general are for inferior people. You must aim for the complete development of your child, not just school results. For your information, many top universities base their recruitment on participation in sports/ exercise activities. For instance, at the exercise science research unit at the University of Cape Town where I do my studies, every student and staff member is seriously into some form of sport (running, cycling, cricket and rugby being very popular).
References
Ferris
LT, Williams JS and Shen CL. The effect of acute exercise on serum
brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and cognitive function. Med Sci Sports
Exerc 39: 728-734, 2007.
Matthews
VB, Astrom MB, Chan MH, Bruce CR, Krabbe KS, Prelovsek O, Akerstrom T, Yfanti C,
Broholm C, Mortensen OH, Penkowa M, Hojman P, Zankari A, Watt MJ, Bruunsgaard
H, Pedersen BK and Febbraio MA. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is produced
by skeletal muscle cells in response to contraction and enhances fat oxidation
via activation of AMP-activated protein kinase. Diabetologia 52: 1409-1418,
2009.
Pedersen
BK, Pedersen M, Krabbe KS, Bruunsgaard H, Matthews VB and Febbraio MA. Role of
exercise-induced brain-derived neurotrophic factor production in the regulation
of energy homeostasis in mammals. Exp Physiol 94: 1153-1160, 2009.
Yarrow
JF, White LJ, McCoy SC and Borst SE. Training augments resistance exercise
induced elevation of circulating brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
Neurosci Lett 479: 161-165, 2010.
 | |
|
------------------------------------------
Join us for discussions on our facebook group
Free advice & daily bodybuilding talk
Your #1 Bodybuilding destination in Mauritius
Join us for discussions on our facebook group
Free advice & daily bodybuilding talk
Your #1 Bodybuilding destination in Mauritius
©,2013, Veeraj Goyaram, Bodybuilding Mauritius. Any reprinting in any type of media is prohibited.
Disclaimer: The Content on this site is intended to be used for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease; or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment plan, product, or course of action. BODYBUILDING MAURITIUS is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. We disclaim all responsibility for the professional qualifications and licensing of, and services provided by, any physician or other health providers posting on or otherwise referred to on this Site and/or any Third Party Site. Never disregard the medical advice of your physician or health professional, or delay in seeking such advice, because of something you read on this Site. We offer this Site AS IS and without any warranties. Correspondence: vicgoyaram@gmail.com
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete