Associations Between Serum BDNF, Irisin, and Dynamic Balance Performance Following Proprioceptive and Strength Training in Adolescent Inline Skaters
Abstract
Objective: This study examined the effects of an eight-week combined proprioceptive and strengthening training program on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and irisin levels, dynamic balance, and lower-limb muscle strength in adolescent inline skaters.
Material and Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control-group study was conducted 30 competitive adolescent inline skaters (aged 11–15 years). Participants were assigned to an intervention group (n=15), which completed supervised proprioceptive and strengthening training three times per week for eight weeks, or a control group (n=15), which continued routine training. Serum BDNF and irisin concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Dynamic balance was assessed using the Single-Leg Squat and Overhead Squat tests, and lower-limb muscle strength was evaluated using isometric dynamometry. Data were analyzed using mixed-model ANOVA and correlation analysis.
Results: Compared with the control group, the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater increases in serum irisin and BDNF levels (p-value<0.05). Significant improvements were observed in dynamic balance, particularly peak knee flexion and knee displacement, as well as in the isometric strength of the hamstrings, gluteus maximus, and gastrocnemius muscles (p-value<0.05). Changes in irisin and BDNF levels showed moderate to strong correlations with improvements in dynamic balance and muscle strength (r=0.48–0.62; p-value<0.05).
Conclusion: Eight weeks of combined proprioceptive and strengthening training induced favorable neurotrophic and myokine adaptations associated with improved neuromuscular performance in adolescent inline skaters, supporting its application in youth athletic conditioning programs.
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