Less Exercise, More Effects: Useful Assessment of Voluntary Resistance Wheel Running on Brain Plasticity

Exercise is effective of enhancing both cardiovascular, musculoskeletal capacity and brain function if done abundantly. However, the optimal exercise condition for such effects remains controversial. Recently, it is still certain whether voluntary resistance wheel running (VRWR) as strength model of exercise shown to enhance aerobic capacity as effectively as wheel running (WR). We have demonstrated that the VRWR has beneficial effects on our brawn and brain, not only with regard to muscular adaptations, but also with respect to brain function enhancing neurogenesis and spatial memory related to hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Moreover, a high-throughput DNA microarray approach to gain deep insight into underlying molecular mechanisms for VRWR-induced improvement of hippocampal function. Also, we found inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that might help to counteract neuronal dysfunction and vulnerability. Taken together, these results suggest providing new evidence that VRWR, which is more efficient for improving physical capacity. Furthermore, even with short distance, is beneficial for enhancing brain functions associated with hippocampal plasticity.

Keywords: voluntary resistance wheel running(VRWR), hip+pocampus, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), high intensity exercise, DNA microarray.