The effect of exercise training on Nerve Growth Factor and Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Kazeminasab, Fatemeh; Zafarmand, Omid; Bagheri, Zahra

doi:10.61882/JBUMS.32.4.266

Volume 32, Issue 4 (Winter 2026) Journal of Translational Medical Research. 2026, 32(4): 266-284 | Back to browse issues page

‎ 10.61882/JBUMS.32.4.266

Ethics code: CRD420251231583

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Kazeminasab F, Zafarmand O, Bagheri Z. The effect of exercise training on Nerve Growth Factor and Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Translational Medical Research. 2026; 32 (4) :266-284
URL: http://journal.bums.ac.ir/article-1-3554-en.html

The effect of exercise training on Nerve Growth Factor and Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Fatemeh Kazeminasab¹

, Omid Zafarmand ^*²

, Zahra Bagheri¹

1- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, School of Humanities, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran.
2- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, School of Humanities, University of Yasouj, Yasouj, Iran. , omidzafarmand2202@gmil.com

Abstract: (266 Views)

Background and Aims: Neurotrophins are a family of growth factors that play a crucial role in the survival and functioning of neurons. This meta-analysis examined the effects of physical exercise on Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) levels in adults.
Materials and Methods: This study was designed as a systematic review and meta-analysis. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Magiran, Irandoc, NoorMags, and SID databases to identify relevant articles published from March 25, 2001, to July 6, 2025. To estimate the effect size, the weighted mean difference (WMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (version 2). Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the I² statistic, and publication bias was evaluated by visual inspection of funnel plots and Egger’s test. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the PEDro checklist.

Results: A total of 15 studies, including 24 exercise interventions involving 459 adults, were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that physical exercise significantly increased NGF levels [WMD = 9.818 pg/mL (95% CI: 5.063 to 14.573), P = 0.001] compared to the control group. However, physical exercise did not lead to a significant change in GDNF levels [WMD = 0.101 ng/mL (95% CI: −0.094 to 0.296), P = 0.310].
Conclusion: The findings of this meta-analysis indicate that exercise training significantly increases NGF levels in adults, while changes in GDNF following exercise are not statistically significant. Therefore, exercise may improve neural function by elevating NGF levels; however, further well-designed studies are required to clarify its effects on GDNF.

Keywords: Adult, Exercise Training, Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Nerve Growth Factor

Full-Text [PDF 803 kb] (115 Downloads)

Type of Study: Meta-analysis | Subject: Exercise Physiology
Received: 2025/10/2 | Accepted: 2025/12/24 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/02/2 | ePublished: 2026/02/20

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