Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) as a Marker of Physical Exercise or Activity Effectiveness in Fatigue, Pain, Depression, and Sleep Disturbances: A Scoping Review
<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been investigated as a potential mechanistic marker or therapeutic target to manage symptoms such as fatigue, pain, depression, and sleep disturbances. However, the variability in BDNF response to exercise or phys...
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2025-01-01
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| author | Nada Lukkahatai Irvin L. Ong Chitchanok Benjasirisan Leorey N. Saligan |
| author_facet | Nada Lukkahatai Irvin L. Ong Chitchanok Benjasirisan Leorey N. Saligan |
| author_sort | Nada Lukkahatai |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | <b>Background/Objectives</b>: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been investigated as a potential mechanistic marker or therapeutic target to manage symptoms such as fatigue, pain, depression, and sleep disturbances. However, the variability in BDNF response to exercise or physical activity (exercise/PA) and its clinical relevance in symptom management remains unclear. This scoping review assesses existing studies exploring the relationships between exercise/PA, symptoms, and BDNF levels, specifically focusing on fatigue, pain, depression, and sleep disturbances in adults. <b>Methods</b>: Relevant studies indexed in PubMed and CINAHL were identified. Using systematic review software, two reviewers independently screened and evaluated full texts, based on the following criteria: human studies reporting BDNF levels in adults, using exercise/PA interventions, assessing symptoms (pain, fatigue, depression, and/or sleep disturbance) as outcomes, and published in English. <b>Results</b>: Of 950 records, 35 records met the inclusion criteria. While exercise/PA is broadly supported for managing symptoms, 74.3% (n = 26) of studies reported increased BDNF levels, and only 40% (n = 14) showed significant increases following exercise/PA. Only 14% (n = 5) of studies demonstrated a significant relationship between changes in BDNF and symptoms. No significant differences in BDNF levels and symptoms were observed between different types of exercise (e.g., aerobic vs. strength vs. flexibility/stretching) and PA. <b>Conclusions</b>: The current literature provides insufficient evidence to confirm BDNF as a marker for exercise/PA effectiveness on symptoms. Further clinical investigations are needed to validate its potential as a therapeutic target. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-1625b6d39c024de4bc03106f3bf86190 |
| institution | DOAJ |
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| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Biomedicines |
| spelling | doaj-art-1625b6d39c024de4bc03106f3bf861902025-08-20T03:12:10ZengMDPI AGBiomedicines2227-90592025-01-0113233210.3390/biomedicines13020332Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) as a Marker of Physical Exercise or Activity Effectiveness in Fatigue, Pain, Depression, and Sleep Disturbances: A Scoping ReviewNada Lukkahatai0Irvin L. Ong1Chitchanok Benjasirisan2Leorey N. Saligan3School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USAResearch Development and Innovation Center, Our Lady of Fatima University, Valenzuela City 1440, PhilippinesSchool of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USANational Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been investigated as a potential mechanistic marker or therapeutic target to manage symptoms such as fatigue, pain, depression, and sleep disturbances. However, the variability in BDNF response to exercise or physical activity (exercise/PA) and its clinical relevance in symptom management remains unclear. This scoping review assesses existing studies exploring the relationships between exercise/PA, symptoms, and BDNF levels, specifically focusing on fatigue, pain, depression, and sleep disturbances in adults. <b>Methods</b>: Relevant studies indexed in PubMed and CINAHL were identified. Using systematic review software, two reviewers independently screened and evaluated full texts, based on the following criteria: human studies reporting BDNF levels in adults, using exercise/PA interventions, assessing symptoms (pain, fatigue, depression, and/or sleep disturbance) as outcomes, and published in English. <b>Results</b>: Of 950 records, 35 records met the inclusion criteria. While exercise/PA is broadly supported for managing symptoms, 74.3% (n = 26) of studies reported increased BDNF levels, and only 40% (n = 14) showed significant increases following exercise/PA. Only 14% (n = 5) of studies demonstrated a significant relationship between changes in BDNF and symptoms. No significant differences in BDNF levels and symptoms were observed between different types of exercise (e.g., aerobic vs. strength vs. flexibility/stretching) and PA. <b>Conclusions</b>: The current literature provides insufficient evidence to confirm BDNF as a marker for exercise/PA effectiveness on symptoms. Further clinical investigations are needed to validate its potential as a therapeutic target.https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/13/2/332brain-derived neurotrophic factorhuman BDNF proteinexercisesymptom management |
| spellingShingle | Nada Lukkahatai Irvin L. Ong Chitchanok Benjasirisan Leorey N. Saligan Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) as a Marker of Physical Exercise or Activity Effectiveness in Fatigue, Pain, Depression, and Sleep Disturbances: A Scoping Review Biomedicines brain-derived neurotrophic factor human BDNF protein exercise symptom management |
| title | Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) as a Marker of Physical Exercise or Activity Effectiveness in Fatigue, Pain, Depression, and Sleep Disturbances: A Scoping Review |
| title_full | Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) as a Marker of Physical Exercise or Activity Effectiveness in Fatigue, Pain, Depression, and Sleep Disturbances: A Scoping Review |
| title_fullStr | Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) as a Marker of Physical Exercise or Activity Effectiveness in Fatigue, Pain, Depression, and Sleep Disturbances: A Scoping Review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) as a Marker of Physical Exercise or Activity Effectiveness in Fatigue, Pain, Depression, and Sleep Disturbances: A Scoping Review |
| title_short | Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) as a Marker of Physical Exercise or Activity Effectiveness in Fatigue, Pain, Depression, and Sleep Disturbances: A Scoping Review |
| title_sort | brain derived neurotrophic factor bdnf as a marker of physical exercise or activity effectiveness in fatigue pain depression and sleep disturbances a scoping review |
| topic | brain-derived neurotrophic factor human BDNF protein exercise symptom management |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/13/2/332 |
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