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Aerobic exercise (AEx) exerts antidepressant effects, although the neurobiological mechanisms underlying such effects are not well understood. Reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and elevated cortisol have been implicated in the pathophysiology of depression and appear to normalize with antidepressant treatment. Thus BDNF and cortisol may serve as biological targets for developing AEx as an antidepressant treatment.

Purpose.

This study examined the effects of AEx, of different intensities, on serum BDNF and cortisol in individuals with and without depression.

Methods.

Thirteen participants with depression (10 female; age= 27.2±6.9; Montgomery-Äsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)= 21.7±4.7) and thirteen control participants (10 female; age 27.2±7.2; MADRS= 0.5±0.9) participated. Experimental visits consisted of 15 minutes of low intensity cycling (LO) at 35% heart rate reserve (HRR …