Journal article
Aerobic exercise increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in sub-acute stroke: a randomized controlled trial
Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation , Vol.Advanced access
19-Feb-2026
PMID: 41715979
Abstract
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 QueenslandSuzanne Kuys - Australian Catholic UniversityMia Schaumberg - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - BiomedicineLi-Ann Leow - Edith Cowan UniversitySandra 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
- PMID
- 41715979
- 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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