Comparison of Cognitive Markers BDNF Levels Between Two Different Exercise Intensities in Amphetamine Participants

Abstract

Amphetamine addiction poses a significant public health challenge in Thailand, affecting diverse demographic groups and contributing to premature mortality and diminished quality of life. Chronic amphetamine use is associated with persistent cognitive impairments, which correlate with alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a critical biomarker for synaptic plasticity. Despite the complex and sometimes paradoxical relationships observed between chronic amphetamine addiction and BDNF levels, exercise presents a promising intervention strategy for facilitating cognitive recovery. This study aimed to investigate the effects of high-intensity circuit training, combined with moderate psychological engagement, on BDNF levels and cognitive function in individuals recovering from amphetamine addiction. Impact of exercise are measured by utilized the quantification of BDNF to evaluate the impact of two distinct 40-minute exercise intervention regimens on potential improvements in cognitive function among individuals undergoing treatment for amphetamine addiction. Twenty male volunteers with a history of amphetamine addiction were randomly assigned to one of two exercise intervention groups: (i) high-intensity circuit training under close supervision by an instructor, and (ii) low-intensity aerobic exercise with reduced instructor supervision. Blood samples (8 ml) were collected for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis on day 1, prior to the initiation of the exercise interventions, and again on day 31, following the completion of the intervention period. The exercise intervention was implemented for a duration of one month, with each exercise session lasting 40 minutes. Following the completion of the instructor-supervised trials, statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in serum bBDNF levels between the two exercise intervention groups.