Sprinting to Better Brain Health

Neuroplasticity is the fascinating ability of the brain to create and reorganize synaptic connections. The human brain uniquely possesses a capacity to adapt both functionally & structurally throughout the lifespan based on experience. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein in humans encoded by a gene of the same name that is instrumental in neuroplasticity. BDNF is a potent growth factor supporting survival, growth and differentiation of neurons and the connections between them. BDNF is critical for cognitive function and brain health. Exercise is known to provide a robust stimulus for the upregulation of BDNF. A recently published study by Reycraft et al. (2020) sought to identify the optimum stimulus & intensity to increase circulating levels of BDNF. Researchers compared a control to continuous moderate & vigorous intensity exercise, as well as maximal sprint intervals. Plasma BDNF levels were positively related to intensity with sprint intervals producing the highest concentrations post-exercise. These results corroborate yet another similar study published this year (Antunes et al., 2020) demonstrating short duration high intensity exercise to be the most efficient at increasing BDNF in comparison to lower intensities. While training at very high intensities requires planning and several considerations e.g. safety, musculoskeletal limitations, etc., it’s certainly encouraging to know you may be able to sprint your way to better brain function!