Last updated September 12, 2026
Key finding
Reductions in waist circumference were directly associated with changes in serum BDNF following aerobic exercise (r = 0.25, p = 0.005).
This study examined the effects of different exercise training types on serum BDNF levels in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes, finding no significant changes in BDNF levels across all exercise modalities.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Medium-Term (3–12 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
This study examined the effects of different exercise training types on serum BDNF levels in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes, finding no significant changes in BDNF levels across all exercise modalities.
Understanding the effects of exercise on BDNF levels is important as BDNF is linked to brain health and metabolic function. While the study did not find significant changes in BDNF levels, the association between waist circumference reduction and BDNF suggests potential benefits of exercise for metabolic health in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes.
Lack of significant changes in BDNF levels may limit clinical applicability. Study population may not represent all individuals with Type 2 Diabetes. Short duration of the interventions may not capture long-term effects.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Damon LS, Neil MJ, Valerie HM, et al. Effects of Aerobic, Resistance, or Combination Exercise Training on Serum BDNF Levels in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes. PLoS ONE. 2012;7(8):e42785. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0042785
No significant change in serum BDNF levels after aerobic exercise (−1649.4 pg/ml).
No significant change in serum BDNF levels after resistance exercise (−2351.2 pg/ml).
No significant change in serum BDNF levels after combination exercise (−827.4 pg/ml).
Evidence network
Understand where this research contributes within the broader evidence network.
This study contributes evidence to Aerobic exercise, Control Group Usual Activity, Taichi plus resistance band training and Change in Serum IL-1β Levels, Significant increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, Waist circumference.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Aerobic exercise
Primary outcomes
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
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Evidence pairs
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Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence relationship
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Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Aerobic exercise → Change in Serum IL-1β Levels
Aerobic exercise → Change in Serum IL-1β Levels
Aerobic exercise → Significant increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels
Aerobic exercise → Significant increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels
Control Group Usual Activity → Waist circumference
Control Group Usual Activity → Waist circumference
Taichi plus resistance band training → Change in Serum IL-1β Levels
Taichi plus resistance band training → Change in Serum IL-1β Levels
Taichi plus resistance band training → Waist circumference
Taichi plus resistance band training → Waist circumference
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Aerobic Exercise and Body Composition, Aerobic Exercise and Significant increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Physical Activity
Physical Activity
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies on Aerobic Exercise
Contributes to Aerobic Exercise evidence base.
All studies measuring Body Composition
Measures Body Composition as a key outcome.
All studies measuring Significant increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels
Measures Significant increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels as a key outcome.
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2 results
1 results
2 results
2 results
1 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Aerobic Exercise appears to improve body composition.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
Waist circumference
EvidenceScore™ Moderate | EvidenceScore™ 69.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Consistent | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on 9 supporting studies with consistent results and a positive effect signal.
Mind-Body and Balance Exercise appears to improve body composition.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Waist circumference
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Aerobic exercise for change in serum il-1β levels.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Change in Serum IL-1β Levels
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Aerobic exercise for significant increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Significant increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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