A dose–response study of resistance exercise training for brain-derived neurotrophic factor in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Abstract Background: Low brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been reported in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Resistance exercise improves levels of BDNF in T2DM; however, it is unknown what amount of exercise intensity will alter its therapeutic effects. The present study aims to investigate the effect of different doses of resistance exercise intensity on BDNF in people with T2DM. Methods and Outcome Assessments: The study will recruit 106 T2DM who will be randomly allocated to one of the four groups to receive resistance exercise training: Group 1 (50% of 1 repetition maximum [RM]), Group 2 (60% of 1 RM), Group 3 (70% of 1 RM), and Group 4 (control group). All the participants will be assessed for the levels of serum BDNF. The data will be checked for normal distribution, and data having non-normal distribution will be log-transformed. Baseline values between the groups will be compared, and the effect of treatment will be determined using one-way analysis of variance. Discussion: Despite the available research demonstrating the effectiveness of resistance exercise training on BDNF in T2DM people, there is no unequivocal exercise prescription for the same. BDNF is susceptible to regulation by exercise. Therefore, it would be interesting to investigate the optimal intensity for bringing about improvement in BDNF and its interaction with chronic exposure to different intensities of resistance exercise.