Journal of Exercise & Organ Cross Talk

Abstract Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a vital role in the brain. On the other hand, researchers showed that exercise may cause more release of BDNF and thus have a positive effect on the brain. Studies have reported controversial findings in multiple sclerosis, and there are no broad conclusions on this topic. This study aims to systematically investigate the effect of exercise training on BDNF concentration in multiple sclerosis animal models. Searches were conducted in the electronic databases of PubMed, Scopus, Medline, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar search engine to obtain the related articles about the role of exercise training on BDNF levels just in animal models of multiple sclerosis. All of the database searches were limited to the period from inception to February 2021. Two reviewers extracted study details and data. The methodological quality of the studies that used animal models was assessed using the PEDro Scale. Fourteen articles were included in this review with scores from 7/10 to 8/10 according to the PEDro scale. Five articles reported elevation, one article reported a reduction; and eight articles reported no changes in BDNF level following or preconditioning exercise training in model of multiple sclerosis. The findings of this study showed that aerobic exercise increases changes in central BDNF concentration in multiple sclerosis in animal model.

Abstract The prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. Implementing social distancing policy measures, such as the stay-at-home order, to control the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) not only has affected lifestyles and weights in children but has also created an obesity-inducing environment, leading to modifications in the patterns of interactions between this age group and their surrounding environment. Therefore, the COVID-19 pandemic has been effective in childhood obesity and its prevalence rate may continue increasing. This narrative review aimed to synthesize evidence from global studies on physical inactivity, and obesity among children and adolescents during COVID-19, and then prescribe an evidence-based home exercise guideline for this age group. The study findings revealed that the COVID-19 restrictions have drastically multiplied physical inactivity and obesity in children. It has been further established that childhood obesity leads to numerous chronic diseases, including diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), psychosomatic disorders, lung diseases, and other metabolic problems in childhood and even as children grow up. Physical activity/exercise at home during and after COVID-19 has been correspondingly demonstrated to mitigate the problems associated with obesity. A wide range of resistance, aerobic, balance, flexibility and other types of exercises have been accordingly shown to protect against the negative effects of the pandemic on child health. Hence, efforts to facilitate such exercises are suggested to continue and be scaled up to prevent childhood obesity and relevant diseases during and after this unusual period.