Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor Response to Aerobic Exercise Intensity in Depressive Patients.

Effects of Aerobic Exercise Intensity on Affective States and Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor in Patients With Depression

Acute aerobic exercise improves affective stats in patients with mental illnesses. Brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) may be a biological mechanism that contributes to the affective benefits. The magnitude of the increase of serum BDNF might be exercise intensity dependent, but no study has compared low high-aerobic-intensity training at 90-95 % of the maximal heart rate (HRmax) with long-slow-distance training at 70 % of the HRmax in patients with depression.

The aim of this study is to compare changes in serum BDNF levels after high-aerobic-intensity training and long-slow-distance training in a intra-individual design in patients suffering from depression. The results will give indications of a possible difference in BDNF response between aerobic intensities and may be uses as pilot data for calculating sample size.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Moderate or severe depression (ICD10: F32-F33)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Bipolar disorder.