1 Department of Physiology, 2 Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo, Brazil 
3 Laboratorio de Neuroci阯cia Experimental e Computacional, Universidade Federal de Sao Joao del-Rei, Sao Joao del-Rei, Brazil

Abstract 

Objective
Exercise is known to enhance circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in healthy humans. BDNF changes have been measured in endurance but not in strength exercise. The present study aimed to investigate whether anaerobic activity such as sprinting differentially alters basal plasma BDNF concentration.
Methods
Brazilian sprinters (100 m) at either the international (Olympics and Outdoor World Championships) (n = 14) or the domestic level (n = 8), and sedentary subjects (n = 15), were recruited. Plasma BDNF concentrations were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results
The basal plasma BDNF concentrations were significantly higher in the international and the domestic sprinters than in the sedentary subjects. In addition, sprinters at the international level had higher plasma BDNF concentrations than those at the domestic level.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that increased basal plasma BDNF level is related to enhanced exercise performance.

Keywords

brain-derived neurotrophic factor; physical exercise; sprint; plasma; brain; human

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