Investigation of the effects of different exercise modalities on brain functions

Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the effects of different exercise modalities on brain functions Material and Method: Volunteers consist of "control (KNT)" group (n: 12, age: 22.00 ± 1.65 years; height 178.83 ± 6.32cm; body weight: 70.08 ± 8.92kg), "Low Intensity Interval Training (LIIT)" group (VO2max = 57-64%) (n: 12, age: 22.66 ± 2.74 years; height 176.41 ± 6.22 cm; body weight: 68.14 ± 7.38 kg) and "High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)" group (VO2max = 85-90%) (n: 12, age: 20.83 ± 2.32 years; height: 177.08 ± 5.26 cm; body weight: 72.40 ± 11.34 kg). LIIT and HIIT exercise groups consisted 8 exercises in 3 sets in training units, 3 minutes rest in each sets, 20 seconds of work and 20 seconds of rest in each exercise, 2 units per week for 4 weeks. VO2max, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrKB), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma coactivator (PGC-1α), Irisin values were determined before exercise (resting level), just after exercise (acute effect of exercise), after the end of all exercises. Results: There was a significant difference in the parameters of YoYo IR-1, VO2max, serum BDNF, VEGF, PGC1α, irisin, TrkB in all 3 protocols (p <0.05) in terms of time effect, exercise x time effect, group effect. The highest increase in all parameters examined in the LIIT and HIIT groups was determined between the pre-test and the post-test. The highest increases among parameters were seen in the HIIT group. Conclusion: HIIT and LIIT exercises can be recommended if it is desired to achieve a positive increase in the values examined in the study.