HIIT Impacts the BDNF and Phosphorilated TAU in Alzhimer’s Disease Correlated with Blood Lactate: A Randomized Control Trial

Aims: This study examines the effects of high-intensity body weight interval training (PMED) on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and phosphorylated-TAU protein (p-TAU) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and their relation to blood lactate concentration.

Study Design: An experimental randomized control trial was conducted.

Place and Duration of Study: The study took place at Vila Vicentina Community Center, the Elderly Support Center of the University of Pará (UEPA), the Senior Living Center (CCI), and SESC Porto Velho, Brazil, between 2016 and 2018.

Methodology: Seventy-eight seniors diagnosed with AD were divided into three groups: HIIT, MICT, and a sedentary control group. The HIIT group engaged in 30 minutes of exercise at 80-90% of maximal heart rate, while the MICT group walked for 30 minutes at 60% of maximal heart rate. Both exercise groups performed their respective activities three times per week for three months, composing 36 exercise sessions. Pre- and post-intervention measurements of BDNF and p-TAU were conducted and the lactate correlation were done.

Results: The HIIT group showed a significant increase in BDNF and a decrease in p-TAU concentrations (p<0.0001), with a stronger effect compared to the MICT group. Both exercise groups demonstrated a strong correlation between blood lactate concentration and BDNF/p-TAU levels (p<0.01) indicating that exercise intensity plays a crucial role in modulating neurochemical changes associated with AD.

Conclusion: This study underscores the potential of HIIT as a viable intervention for mitigating neurodegeneration in AD by enhancing BDNF and reducing p-TAU levels. The findings also highlight the importance of exercise intensity in achieving these neurobiological benefits and suggest a muscle/brain crosstalk interaction in response the exercise.