Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 35

Sex Differences in BDNF Response to a Maximal Exercise Test

Official title: Investigation of Sex-differences the BDNF Response to Exercise

Run by McMaster University · NCT07912307 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether men and women have different levels of BDNF in the blood after a maximal exercise test.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexAll
Enrollment50 (estimated)
SponsorMcMaster University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hamilton, Ontario)
StatusRecruiting
StartedNovember 2026
Main results expectedFebruary 2027
Study endsFebruary 2027
Registry record updatedNovember 3, 2026
Trial IDNCT07912307 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 35 without major health issues that affect exercise participation.

Probably not a fit

Individuals with conditions or histories that alter BDNF responses or contraindicate maximal exercise may experience limited relevance from the results.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Researchers will measure circulating BDNF levels before and after a maximal exercise test in healthy young adults to see if there are sex-related differences. The study focuses on how exercise may boost BDNF, a protein linked to learning and memory. By comparing responses between males and females, the trial aims to clarify whether sex influences the brain-related benefits of acute exercise. The design is observational in terms of the biomarker response to a single exercise bout, conducted at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, findings could help tailor exercise recommendations to maximize brain-related benefits based on sex.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research suggests BDNF can rise after exercise, but sex-specific responses are not yet well defined, making this approach relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Between the ages of 18 and 35

Exclusion Criteria:

* presence of type 2 diabetes
* history of hypoglycaemia
* history of concussion(s) with persistent symptoms
* presence of major depressive disorder
* history of cardiovascular events requiring hospitalization (i.e., heart attack, stroke)
* presence of respiratory disease (e.g. asthma)
* pre-existing injuries that prevent aerobic exercise participation.

Where it's running

  • McMaster University
    Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.