Extreme conditioning session augments brain-derived neurotrophic factor in healthy novice participants: a pilot study

Purpose To analyze the circulating serum levels of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in novice participants submitted to an extreme conditioning training session (ECT). Methods Ten untrained male subjects were submitted to an ECT session, composed by the protocol "as many repetitions as possible" (WOD-AMRAP). The training session lasted 9 min, including the exercises clean, wall ball throw, and double or single-unders. At the end of the training session, Borg's perceived exertion assessment (RPE, 0–10) was assessed to demonstrate the level of physical requirement. Blood samples were collected baseline and immediately after the ECT session to measure BDNF. The Cohen's d effect size calculation was used to evaluate the magnitude of training effects on the BDNF levels. In addition, Pearson's correlation was applied between training parameters and BDNF acute delta response. Results The following results were found: (1) all individuals reported a similar level of effort ([RPE] 8.8 ± 0.78); (2) total training load and total volumes were 1456.4 ± 334.12 kg and 127 ± 28.2 repetitions, respectively; (3) the ratio between total load and the total volume was 11.45 ± 0.21 kg/repetition; (4) the mean BDNF response showed a significant increase (PRE 12,617 ± 2070 vs. POST 13,642 ± 1791 pg/mL, respectively) [ES = 0.49]; 5) no correlation was found between training parameters and BDNF delta acute responses. Conclusion Through the results found here, we concluded that a high-density/effort WOD-AMRAP ECT session is able to stimulate the acute increase in serum BDNF levels in novice participants.