The effect of regular aerobic exercise on urinary brain-derived neurotrophic factor in children

Journal Title: Paediatrica Indonesiana - Year 2014, Vol 54, Issue 6

Abstract

Background Nervous system development in early lifeinfluences the quality of cognitive ability during adulthood.Neuronal development and neurogenesis are highly influencedby neurotrophins. The most active neurotrophin is brain-derivedneurotrophic factor (BDNF). Physical activity has a positiveeffect on cognitive function. However, few experimental studieshave been done on children to assess the effect of aerobic regularexercise on BDNF levels.Objective To assess the effect of regular aerobic exercise onurinary BDNF levels in children.Methods This clinical study was performed in 67 children aged6-8 years in Palembang. The intervention group (n=34) engagedin aerobic gymnastics three times per week for 8 weeks, while thecontrol group (n=33) engaged in gymnastic only once per week.Measurements of urinary BDNF were performed on both groupsbefore and after intervention. Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon ranktests were used to analyze the differences between groups.Results There was no difference in urinary BDNF levels betweenthe two groups prior to the intervention. After intervention,the mean urinary BDNF levels were significantly higher in theintervention group than in the control group, 230.2 (SD 264.4)pg/mL vs. 88.0 (SD 35.4) pg/mL, respectively (P=0.027). We alsofound that engaging in aerobic gymnastics significantly increasedurinary BDNF levels from baseline in both groups (P=0.001).Conclusion Regular aerobic exercise can increase urinary BDNFlevels and potentially improve cognitive function. Aerobic exerciseshould be a routine activity in school curriculums in combinationwith the learning process to improve children’s cognitive ability.

Authors and Affiliations

Yunita Fediani, Masayu Dewi, Muhammad Irfannuddin, Masagus Saleh, Safri Dhaini

Keywords

Related Articles

A comparison of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and immature to total neutrophil ratio for diagnosing early-onset neonatal sepsis

Background Neonatal sepsis is a clinical syndrome caused by the invasion of microorganisms into the bloodstream. Early diagnosis of early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) is difficult. Laboratory tests with high sensitivity...

Behavioral problems in children with epilepsy

Background Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that most oftenaffects children. Most cases of epilepsy are found in developingcountries. Children with epilepsy are at risk of behavioral disordersthat can affect their qua...

Menstrual cycle patterns of Indonesian adolescents

Background Adolescents often experience menstrual irregularity in the first few years after menarche. Abnormal menstrual cycles may increase the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome. Objective To determine the menstrual cy...

Impact of an antimicrobial resistance control program: pre- and post-training antibiotic use in children with typhoid fever

Inappropriate use of antibiotics may lead to antimicrobial resistance. In 2012, Dr. Soetomo Hospital conducted training for pediatric residents on the proper use of antibiotics to limit antimicrobial resistance.Objective...

Breastfeeding practices in mothers: a qualitative study

Background Despite the WHO and UNICEF recorrunendations, the well-known breastfeeding benefits, and the efforts to promote and support breastfeeding; exclusive breastfeeding by Indonesian mothers remains low and contribu...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP458759
  • DOI 10.14238/pi54.6.2014.351-7
  • Views 121
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Yunita Fediani, Masayu Dewi, Muhammad Irfannuddin, Masagus Saleh, Safri Dhaini (2014). The effect of regular aerobic exercise on urinary brain-derived neurotrophic factor in children. Paediatrica Indonesiana, 54(6), 351-7. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-458759