The Relationship Between Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor, Serotonin, Physical Fitness, Energy Expenditure and Exercise Intensity in Children

Kim, Hyun Jun

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of physical activity and fitness on brain nerve growth factor in children. METHOD: Seventy-three subjects were selected from one elementary school. Variables related to physical fitness, physical activity and brain nerve growth were measured and assessed. The physical activities of daily life were measured using the SenseWear Armband (Bodymedia Co., USA). The collected data were analyzed in terms of Total energy expenditure, average METs, duration of activity less than 3.0 METs, duration of activity between 3.0 and 5.9 METs, and duration of activity exceeding 6 METs. The factors of brain nerve growth factor were BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and serotonin. Data analysis was done using PASW Statistics 18.0 program and included Pearson correlation coefficients and stepwise regression analysis.
RESULTS
Positive correlation was found between BDNF and duration of activity exceeding 6 METs. Negative correlation was noted between BDNF and muscular strength, also between serotonin and muscular strength. The independent variables predicting BDNF were agility, muscular strength, duration of activity exceeding 6 METs and duration of activity less than 3.0 METs. And predictor of serotonin was muscular strength.
CONCLUSION
The results indicate that in order to increase BDNF and serotonin in children, it is necessary to improve agility and muscular strength, increase duration of activities less than 3.0 METs and exceeding 6 METs.