The role of exercise training on neurotrophic factors associated with Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review with meta-analysis

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper I Open Access I Released under (CC BY-NC 4.0) license

Authors

1 Assistant professor at Golestan University

2 Department of sports sciences, Faculty of Humanities and social sciences, Golestan University, Gorgan, Iran

Abstract

Aim:       Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by gradual deterioration of cognitive functions, especially memory and learning. Neurotrophins are known as key molecules in regulating and supporting the growth and survival of neurons. Physical activity can affect these neurotrophins through complex mechanisms such as reducing inflammation, increasing cerebral blood flow, and regulating energy metabolism. However, the role of Physical activity in these patients has not been fully clarified and conflicting results have been reported, and the need for more research in this field is felt. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the role of exercise on brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor in patients with Alzheimer's disease through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Articles published in Persian and English until 2025 were searched from Pub Med, Google scholar, Science direct, SID, Scopus and Irandoc databases and included in the meta-analysis. Fixed and random effect models for meta-analysis of average effect size (difference in mean with 95% confidence interval) in the research related to BDNF and NGF were performed with the help of CMA2 software. Results:  The results of meta-analysis showed that Physical activity increases BDNF in Alzheimer's patients (ES=0.76, 95%CI=0.22 to 1.29 , p=0.005). However, doing Physical activity does not cause significant changes in NGF of Alzheimer's patients (ES=-0.51, p=0.32, 95% CI= 0.51 to -1.55). Conclusions:  Doing physical activities with an effect on BDNF can play an important role in Alzheimer's patients

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Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Applied Health Studies in Sport Physiology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 18 October 2025

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History

  • Receive Date: 27 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 07 October 2025
  • Accept Date: 13 October 2025

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