Objective: To investigate if twelve weeks of high intensity interval training (HIIT) can enhance serum BDNF and miRNAs levels in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Background: BDNF plays several important physiological functions including neurons proliferation, growth and plasticity as well as protects neurons against degeneration. Serum BDNF levels have been shown to be lower in patients with idiopathic PD (iPD) in comparison to aged-matched healthy individuals. Numerous studies have shown that in response to aerobic training serum BDNF level increases in healthy subjects. Recent studies also shows that training of moderate intensity elevates serum BDNF level of iPD patients with simultaneously decreased UPDRS III scale [1]. Moreover, studies performed with both sedentary subjects and athletes show better effectiveness of HIIT training as compare to aerobic training of moderate intensity.

Method: 32 patients with diagnosed iPD volunteered to participate in this study: 16 underwent 12 weeks HIIT and 16 age-matched served as a control group. The concentration of BDNF was determined by ELISA. Expression of miRNA in the serum was determined by real-time qPCR using specific primers TaqMan miRNA assay. WHOQOL-BREF survey was used for assessment the quality of life. Assessment of the improvement of neuroplasticity was determined by Purdue Pegboard Test. Patients examination and blood collection took place before and after the 12 weeks of HIIT from the all participants and one week after the training completion.

Results: Our results show that 12 weeks HIIT increases BDNF level and stimulates expression of miRNAs involved in BDNF expression. Quality of life and neuroplasticity increased after the completion of the HIIT training process and is correlated with decreased H&Y scale.

Conclusion: Twelve weeks HIIT training may elevates serum BDNF level in iPD patients, improves neuroplasticity and slows down the disease progression which correlates with their improvement of life quality.

References: [1] Zoladz JA, Majerczak J, Zeligowska E, Mencel J, Jaskolski A, Jaskolska A, Marusiak J. Moderate-intensity interval training increases serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor level and decreases inflammation in Parkinson’s disease patients. J Physiol Pharmacol. 2014 Jun;65(3):441-8.

To cite this abstract in AMA style: P. Malczynska, B. Kaminski, M. Siemiatycka, A. Pawłowska, I. Przybylska, J. Langfort, J. Marusiak, M. Chalimoniuk. High intensity interval training elevates circulating BDNF and miRNAs level in patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2019; 34 (suppl 2). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/high-intensity-interval-training-elevates-circulating-bdnf-and-mirnas-level-in-patients-with-idiopathic-parkinsons-disease/. Accessed September 26, 2020. P. Malczynska, B. Kaminski, M. Siemiatycka, A. Pawłowska, I. Przybylska, J. Langfort, J. Marusiak, M. Chalimoniuk. High intensity interval training elevates circulating BDNF and miRNAs level in patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2019; 34 (suppl 2). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/high-intensity-interval-training-elevates-circulating-bdnf-and-mirnas-level-in-patients-with-idiopathic-parkinsons-disease/. Accessed September 26, 2020.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/high-intensity-interval-training-elevates-circulating-bdnf-and-mirnas-level-in-patients-with-idiopathic-parkinsons-disease/