Eur J Pediatr. 2025 Sep 8;184(10):606. doi: 10.1007/s00431-025-06455-4.
ABSTRACT
The objective of this study is to analyze adherence to 24-h movement behavior recommendations (combined and isolated) with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in adolescents. For this cross-sectional study, 155 adolescents were recruited, of whom 141 participated; 118 with valid data were analyzed (64 girls, mean age 14.9 years). Sleep duration and screen time (ST) were self-reported, while moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was measured using accelerometers. These behaviors were classified based on adherence to the 24-h recommendations for adolescents. BDNF plasma levels were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between combinations of behaviors (MVPA + sleep, MVPA + ST, and sleep + ST) and individual behaviors and number of guidelines met (all vs one; all vs two; two vs one) in both crude and adjusted analyses. In the adjusted analyses, number of guidelines met all vs one (β = 75.42; [95% CI = 8.77; 142.08]) and two vs one (β = 76.73; [95% CI = 24.68; 128.78]) were positively associated with BDNF in boys. In girls, two vs one was associated with BDNF (β = 57.67; [95% CI = 10.62; 104.72). Furthermore, sleep adherence was associated with BDNF levels in girls (β = 72.33; [95% CI = 30.46; 114.20]) and boys (β = 46.73; [95% CI = 0.77; 92.69]). The combination of sleep + ST was also associated with BDNF levels in girls (β = 65.92; [95% CI = 23.83; 108.01]).
CONCLUSION: Adherence to at least two movement behaviors was associated with higher BDNF concentrations. Compliance with sleep recommendations showed a positive association with BDNF levels in both sexes. Among girls, the combination of sleep and ST within recommended levels was also associated with higher levels of the neurotrophic biomarker.
WHAT IS KNOWN: • The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signals and modulates synaptic interactions, influencing learning and memory. However, it also plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of depression. • Greater adherence to the 24-h movement guidelines is associated with favorable cognitive outcomes in adolescents. Nevertheless, studies examining BDNF in health adolescents remain limited.
WHAT IS NEW: • This study examined an important indicator of brain health, BDNF, and adherence to the 24-h movement guidelines in healthy adolescents. • The findings emphasize the role of sleep and screen time in being associated with higher circulating BDNF levels.
PMID:40921801 | DOI:10.1007/s00431-025-06455-4
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