Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2016

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Whitehurst, Michael

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if maximal aerobic exercise promotes BDNF expression in obese individuals. Plasma levels and the expression of BDNF in PBMCs were examined. 22 participants (10 obese, 12 non-obese) completed a V02max treadmill test and blood was obtained pre, post, and 1 and 2 hours into exercise recovery. Plasma and PBMCs were isolated and analyzed for BDNF via ELISA and Western blot techniques. A significant effect for time was observed for plasma BDNF (P= <0.00 1 ). Additionally, A significant group-by-time interaction was found from pre-to-RIH for BDNF expression in PBMCs (P= 0.046). Further, significant correlations were found between BMI and waist circumference (r= .91, P< 0.001), WHR (r= .51, P= 0.002) and Pre-to-RlH ratio (r=0.58, P=0.008). Young obese subject's BDNF response to maximal exercise was consistent with previous studies. Post-exercise BDNF expressed in PBMCs were significantly higher than rest suggesting immunological-neuroprotective interactions in the CNS.

Extent

58 p.

Comments

Includes bibliography.|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2016.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.

Identifier

FA00004664

Format

pdf

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