Brief HIIT trial leaves its effect on salivary BDNF uncertain
Salivary BDNF rose within the HIIT group, while the trial's comparison of changes across groups was nonsignificant.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Salivary BDNF increased within the HIIT group, but the trial did not detect a difference in BDNF changes between groups. That distinction prevents a firm claim that HIIT outperformed reduced-exertion training or watching a video. The study measured an immediate saliva biomarker, without demonstrating improvements in cognition or brain function.
The findings concern an acute response in young adults. The authors call for comparisons between saliva and blood measurements, and the abstract reports no cognitive outcomes.
What researchers found
Between-group difference in salivary BDNF change
From before to immediately after the 15-minute session, BDNF changes were compared across HIIT, reduced-exertion training and video control using a group-by-time interaction test.
Why the comparison matters
BDNF, or brain-derived neurotrophic factor, was measured in saliva before and after the session. A rise within the HIIT group does not establish superiority when the comparison of changes across groups is nonsignificant.
Lactate told a separate story
Lactate rose after both exercise formats, while the control group showed no change. Changes in lactate did not track changes in BDNF, so this trial did not support a relationship between those responses.
The original publication
Acute high-intensity interval training, but not reduced-exertion high-intensity interval training increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor in a block randomized controlled trial.
Evelis K, Kolesovs A, Rostoka E et al.
Sci Rep · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41184371
- Record checked
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