Research
Hormonal
High-intensity interval training (HIT) may be more effective than continuous high-intensity exercise for elevating serum BDNF levels, and open-skill exercises (e.g., badminton) may increase BDNF more than closed-skill exercises (e.g., running).
If you want to maximize brain-boosting BDNF levels, consider trying high-intensity interval training or open-skill sports like badminton instead of just steady-state running. These may trigger a stronger release of beneficial brain factors.
ModerateQualifiesMEDIUM confidence
Shorter bouts of high-intensity exercise are slightly more effective than continuous high-intensity exercise for elevating serum BDNF... open-skill exercise (e.g., badminton) increases BDNF levels more than closed-skill exercise (e.g., running)
Why this rating
Based on specific studies cited in the review, but the review notes overall variability.
Source
Physical Activity and Brain Health
Carlo Maria Di Liegro et al. · Genes · 2019
DOI 10.3390/genes10090720
narrative_reviewCited 359×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
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