Aerobic exercise increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in sub-acute stroke: a randomized controlled trial

Christopher P Mackay; Suzanne Kuys; Mia Schaumberg; Li-Ann Leow; Sandra G Brauer

doi:10.1080/10749357.2026.2628540

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Aerobic exercise increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in sub-acute stroke: a randomized controlled trial

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Aerobic exercise increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in sub-acute stroke: a randomized controlled trial

Christopher P Mackay, Suzanne Kuys, Mia Schaumberg, Li-Ann Leow and Sandra G Brauer

Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation , Vol.Advanced access

19-Feb-2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10749357.2026.2628540

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Abstract

stroke

brain-derived neurotrophic factor

aerobic exercise

rehabilitation

treadmill

Background Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key neurotrophin due to its role in neuron process outgrowth, plasticity, and neuronal survival. Aerobic exercise can induce BDNF release and may ultimately maximize post-stroke recovery. Objectives This study aimed to determine if a program of moderate-to-high-intensity aerobic exercise increased concentrations of BDNF in subacute stroke survivors compared to usual care. Methods A parallel-group, RCT was undertaken in people with subacute stroke undergoing rehabilitation. Participants were randomly allocated to usual care (control group) or usual care plus an 8-week program of moderate-high intensity treadmill walking (3 x 30 min sessions per week) (experimental group). Serum BDNF was collected by blinded assessors at baseline (Week 0), at the end of the intervention period (Week 8), and at 6 months follow up (Week 26). Results Sixty-seven participants (n = 67) were recruited to the study (avg time post-stroke: 26 days). A between-group difference in BDNF levels across the three time points (F = 3.14, p = 0.048) was found. From Week 0 to Week 8, BDNF levels in the experimental group increased by 18% (p = 0.020) and then decreased from Week 8 to Week 26 by 18% (p = 0.021), returning to baseline levels. No change was found for the control group (Week 0 to Week 8 p = 0.378, Week 8 to Week 26 p = 0.412). Conclusions As concentrations of BDNF increased immediately after a program of aerobic exercise, this may present a potential neurobiological mechanism to enhance recovery after stroke.

Details

Title: Aerobic exercise increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in sub-acute stroke: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Christopher P Mackay (Corresponding Author) - The University of Queensland
Suzanne Kuys - Australian Catholic University
Mia Schaumberg - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Biomedicine
Li-Ann Leow - Edith Cowan University
Sandra G Brauer - The University of Queensland
Publication details: Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation , Vol.Advanced access
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
DOI: 10.1080/10749357.2026.2628540
ISSN: 1945-5119; 1074-9357
Copyright note: © 2026 The University of Queensland. Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The terms on which this article has been published allow the posting of the Accepted Manuscript in a repository by the author(s) or with their consent.
Grant note: This study was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Biomedicine; Healthy Ageing Research Cluster; Cancer Research Cluster
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991209781002621
Output Type: Journal article

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