從BDNF觀點探討耐力運動對認知功能之影響

Endurance Exercise and Cognitive Function: A BDNF Perspective

運動對大腦的神經系統與認知功能是有幫助的,從耐力運動的角度來看,腦衍生性神經滋養因子(brain- derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF)常被認為是影響認知表現的可能機轉,不過,目前對此說法仍無定論。有鑑於此,本研究回顧有關運動與BDNF的相關研究,以釐清BDNF是否為耐力運動與認知功能間的中介因子,內容主要分為(1)耐力運動介入對BDNF的影響;(2)運動習慣或其他因子對BDNF的影響;(3)耐力運動、BDNF與認知表現。藉由相關文獻,本研究提出以下幾點結語與建議:(1)急性耐力運動增加BDNF的量是會依據運動強度而改變,且效果短暫,藉由長期規律運動才可以改變血漿中BDNF的基礎濃度,因此,BDNF在急性或長期耐力運動中對認知功能提升的機制是值得思考的;(2)除耐力運動外,尚有其他因子(例如:年齡、身體質量指數⋯⋯等)會影響血液中的BDNF濃度,如果想要從BDNF探討耐力運動和認知功能之間的關連性時,外在因子需要被嚴謹控制,才不會稀釋或誇大BDNF的效果;(3)運動後造成BDNF的改變,可能是調控認知功能範疇中有關記憶與學習改善的中介因子。

Exercise can facilitate cognitive function and nervous systems in the brain. With regard to endurance exercise, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) could be a potential influencing mechanism. However, such a statement remains speculative. Therefore, the present study reviews previous studies regarding the relationship between exercise and BDNF to clarify whether the BDNF could be a mediator between endurance exercise and cognitive functioning. The contents are divided into three sections: (1) the influence of endurance-exercise intervention on BDNF; (2) the role of exercise habits or other factors on the BDNF; and (3) endurance exercise, BDNF, and cognitive function. Through literature review, the following conclusions and suggestions are: First, acute endurance exercise can increase BDNF levels via moderate-to-high-intensity exercise. However, such an effect is transient. Only regular long-term exercise can effectively enhance the basal levels of BDNF. The potential mechanism of the beneficial effects of different exercise-intervention modes (e.g., acute and chronic exercise) on cognitive functioning is thus worth consideration. Second, aside from endurance exercise, external factors (e.g., age and body mass index) also significantly influence the levels of BDNF. Therefore, if we want to investigate the association between endurance exercise and cognitive function from the perspective of the BDNF, these external factors should be rigorously controlled. Third, increased levels of BDNF could be a critical mediator between memory and learning among the domains of cognitive control.