Effects of meditation and mind-body exercise on brain-derived neurotrophic factor: A literature review of human experimental studies

A review of 15 studies suggests that mindfulness meditation and mind-body exercises such as yoga and tai chi may increase circulating concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports neuroplasticity and cognitive function. The evidence comes from seven randomized controlled trials, three non-randomized studies, and five uncontrolled studies. However, many of these studies had small sample sizes or lacked randomized controls, so the findings are not definitive. Further research is needed to confirm whether these practices reliably boost BDNF and improve brain function across different populations.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This paper provides a literature review of current studies investigating the effects of meditation and mind-body exercise on peripheral concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), an important mediator of the neuroplasticity of the central nervous system and cognitive function. A literature search was conducted to collect currently published randomized controlled, non-randomized controlled and uncontrolled intervention studies. Fifteen studies were identified; and among these studies, seven were randomized controlled studies, three were non-randomized studies, and five were uncontrolled studies. Current limited evidence tends to support that mindfulness meditation and mind-body exercise (e.g. yoga and tai chi) increase circulating BDNF concentrations in healthy and diseased individuals. It is noteworthy that these findings are based on current studies with a relatively small sample size, or without a randomized controlled design. Further studies are needed to identify a definite effect of meditation or mind-body exercise on BDNF and its role in improving/maintaining brain functions in various populations.