Exercise-Induced Elevated BDNF Concentration Seems to Prevent Cognitive Impairment after Acute Exposure to Moderate Normobaric Hypoxia among Young Men

Maciej Chroboczek (), Sylwester Kujach, Marcin Łuszczyk, Hideaki Soya and Radosław Laskowski
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Maciej Chroboczek: Department of Physiology, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland
Sylwester Kujach: Department of Physiology, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland
Marcin Łuszczyk: Department of Physiology, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland
Hideaki Soya: Sports Neuroscience Division, Advanced Research Initiative for Human High Performance, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8574, Japan
Radosław Laskowski: Department of Physiology, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 4, 1-11

Abstract: Memory impairment, reduced learning ability, decreased concentration, and psychomotor performance can be all signs of deleterious impact of hypoxia on cognitive functioning. In turn, physical exercise can improve performance and enhance cognitive functions. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the potential positive effects of exercise performed under normobaric hypoxia can counteract the negative effects of hypoxia on cognitive function, and whether these changes correlate with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations. Seventeen healthy subjects participated in a crossover study where they performed two sessions of single breathing bouts combined with moderate intensity exercise under two conditions: normoxia (NOR EX) and normobaric hypoxia (NH EX). To assess cognitive function, Stroop test was applied. There were no significant differences in any part of the Stroop interference test regardless of the conditions (NOR, NH), despite a statistical decrease in SpO 2 ( p < 0.0001) under normobaric hypoxic conditions. In addition, a statistical increase ( p < 0.0001) in BDNF concentration was observed after both conditions. Acute exercise under normobaric hypoxia did not impair cognitive function despite a significant decrease in SpO 2 . Exercise in such conditions may offset the negative effects of hypoxia alone on cognitive function. This may be related to the significant increase in BDNF concentration and, as a consequence, positively affect the executive functions.

Keywords: physical exercise; cognition; executive functions; altitude (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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