Aerobic exercise improves working memory and promotes BDNF production.
Adolescents who engage in aerobic physical activity tend to have better cardiometabolic health and perform better in school. Unfortunately, most adolescents fall short of recommended physical activity guidelines. Findings from a recent study suggest that aerobic physical activity improves working memory and promotes the production of BDNF in adolescent girls.
BDNF, or brain-derived neurotrophic factor, is a growth factor that controls and promotes the growth of new neurons. It is active in areas of the brain involved in learning, long-term memory, and executive function. Robust evidence indicates that aerobic exercise increases BDNF concentrations.
The study involved 16 healthy adolescent girls (average age, 11 years). Half of the girls engaged in three sprint-training sessions for two weeks, while the other half continued their regular physical activities. The investigators measured the girls' metabolic biomarkers, BDNF concentrations, and working memory before and after the intervention.
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They found that compared to the girls who continued their regular activities, the girls who engaged in the two weeks of sprint training performed 2.2 percent better on memory tests, and their BDNF concentrations nearly doubled. Neither group exhibited differences in their metabolic biomarkers. The girls who participated in the sprint training reported enjoying the activities.
These findings suggest that aerobic exercise programs not only improve cognitive function and increase BDNF concentrations in adolescent girls, but they are also enjoyable. Learn more about the beneficial effects of aerobic exercise in our overview article.