The Effects of High Intensive Interval Training (HIIT) on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Cardiovascular Health: A Review

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) programs have lately gained popularity because they produce beneficial adaptations for both inactive and athletes, as well as positive health and performance benefits and time efficiency. Therefore, it was purposed to review scientific research results about the effects of HIIT programs on BDNF and cardiovascular health. Although there are research findings suggesting that HIIT may be an effective strategy for promoting elevation of BDNF concentrations, current research seems to be rather limited and inconclusive. It can be thought that exercise intensity is a factor affecting BDNF activation. In healthy people, there seems to be a positive linear relationship between exercise intensity and BDNF levels of acute exercise. However, further experimental studies are needed to elucidate the effect of HIIT on BDNF in humans with metabolic or cardiovascular diseases. However, it can be suggested that high intensity can be an significant achievement factor to design an effective exercise programs and the HIIT methodology has a critical importance for improving cardiovascular function, particularly in healthy individuals. In conclusion, while existing studies show that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) programs can improve cardiovascular health in some populations, further scientific research is needed to determine the efficiency of this strategy in producing physiological adaptation to exercise.