Journal of Sports and Biomotor Sciences

Journal of Sports and Biomotor Sciences

Comparison of the effects of voluntary and forced aerobic exercise training on the levels of GABA and serotonin neurotransmitters in the hippocampus of male rats

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
shima hoghooghizadeh 1
Fatemeh shabkhiz 2
mohammad reza kordi 3
1 Ph.D Candidate, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sports Science and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sports Science and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
3 Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sports Science and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/sbs.2024.462710.1108
Abstract
Introduction and Purpose: In recent years, the effect of aerobic exercise on brain neurotransmitters, particularly GABA and serotonin, has gained significant attention. However, the difference in the effects of voluntary and forced aerobic exercises on these neurotransmitters remains challenging. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of two types of aerobic exercise, voluntary (swimming) and forced (treadmill), on the levels of GABA and serotonin neurotransmitters in the hippocampus of male rats.
Materials and Methods: This applied study was conducted as an experimental design. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two experimental groups and one control group. The aerobic exercise groups performed forced treadmill running and voluntary swimming exercises for 4 weeks, 5 sessions per week. Forty-eight hours after the last exercise session, the rats were anesthetized, and tissue sampling was performed. The levels of GABA and serotonin neurotransmitters were measured using the western blot method. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and one-way ANOVA.
Results: The results showed a significant decrease in serotonin levels between the control group and the forced aerobic exercise group (treadmill) (P<0.04). However, no significant difference was observed in serotonin levels between the voluntary aerobic exercise group (swimming) and the control group (P>0.25). Additionally, no significant differences were found between the research groups regarding GABA levels (P<0.09).
Discussion and Conclusion: Four weeks of forced aerobic exercise (treadmill) led to an increase in serotonin neurotransmitter levels in the hippocampus of male rats but did not affect GABA levels. Moreover, voluntary aerobic exercise (swimming) did not result in significant changes in the levels of GABA and serotonin neurotransmitters in the hippocampus of male rats. Therefore, forced aerobic exercise (treadmill) could be utilized to increase serotonin levels in male rats.
Keywords
Voluntary aerobic training
Forced aerobic training
Swimming exercise
Neurotransmitter
hippocampus

Subjects

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Journal of Sports and Biomotor Sciences
Volume 16, Issue 32
March 2025
Pages 50-60

  • Receive Date 02 July 2024
  • Revise Date 10 October 2024
  • Accept Date 15 October 2024