BDNF是运动促进认知的生物学机制吗?证据、挑战与展望

doi:10.3724/SP.J.1042.2025.0465

摘要/Abstract

摘要：

运动可以提升机体脑源性神经营养因子(Brain derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF)水平, 而BDNF又与认知表现密切相关。由此引出一个问题, BDNF是运动促进认知的生物学机制吗?根据来自动物模型和人体的生物学机理及部分实验研究证据推论, 运动确可通过增加机体BDNF水平提高认知功能。然而, 也有人体研究得出不一致结论, 如运动未能引起BDNF的相应增加, 或者运动后认知表现与BDNF的变化步调不一致等。值得注意的是, 前人研究结论均为间接推导, 尚未深入探讨BDNF与认知表现随运动变化的时间进程, 且BDNF的诸多影响因素削弱了众研究结果的准确性和可比性, 阻碍了理论的发展和BDNF的实践应用。因此, 通过整理和分析相关证据与挑战, 未来研究需进一步明确研究主题, 设计严谨的中介实验、开展中介效应的元分析, 严格控制运动方案、被试人群、测量手段等额外变量的影响, 细化潜在调节效应测试, 进而检验BDNF在运动促进认知过程中的介导作用, 揭示运动通过BDNF促进认知的量效关系, 探究BDNF与不同认知功能增益的背后作用机制。这将为运动认知效益的生物学机制研究提供理论指导和有效补充, 为运动实践带来新视角, 助力健康中国建设。

关键词: BDNF, 运动, 认知

Abstract:

Exercise elevates the body’s levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is strongly associated with cognitive performance. This raises the question: Is BDNF a biological mechanism through which exercise enhances cognition? Based on biological mechanisms and experimental evidence from animal models and humans, it has been inferred that exercise may improve cognitive function by increasing BDNF levels in the body. However, some human studies have reported inconsistent findings, such as a failure of exercise to elicit a corresponding increase in BDNF or discrepancies between cognitive performance improvements after exercise and changes in BDNF levels. Notably, the conclusions of previous studies are often derived indirectly, and the time course of changes in BDNF and cognitive performance in response to exercise has not been thoroughly investigated. Furthermore, numerous factors influencing BDNF have diminished the accuracy and comparability of existing results, hindering the development of theories and the practical application of BDNF-related findings. To address these challenges, future studies should systematically collate and analyze relevant evidence while clarifying research themes. Rigorous mediation experiments and meta-analyses of mediation effects should be designed, with strict control over variables such as exercise protocols, participant populations, and measurement methods. Additionally, further refinement of tests for potential moderating effects is essential to validate the mediating role of BDNF in the cognitive enhancement effects of exercise. Investigating the quantitative relationships between exercise-induced BDNF changes and cognitive performance improvements, as well as the specific effects of BDNF on different dimensions of cognitive function, will provide valuable insights. This research will offer theoretical guidance and substantial contributions to the study of biological mechanisms underlying exercise-induced cognitive benefits, inspire new perspectives on exercise practices, and support the promotion of public health and the construction of a healthy society.

Key words: BDNF, exercise, cognition

中图分类号:

B845

郭艺, 张连成, 陶莹莹, 朱良昊, 王婷. (2025). BDNF是运动促进认知的生物学机制吗?证据、挑战与展望. 心理科学进展 , 33(3), 465-476.

GUO Yi, ZHANG Lian-cheng, TAO Ying-ying, ZHU Liang-hao, WANG Ting. (2025). Is BDNF an underlying biological mechanism in exercise-induced cognition? Evidence, challenges, and prospects. Advances in Psychological Science, 33(3), 465-476.

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