This protein is called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and supports both growth and survival of neuronal cells and promotes the development of new connections and signaling pathways.
In this study, 12 physically active volunteers (ages 18 to 56) completed three trials: fasting for 20 hours, cycling for 90 minutes, or vigorous cycling for 6 minutes.
A short and intense burst of activity showed the best results in terms of BDNF production. In fact, it increased blood levels of BDNF by a factor of four or five compared to a small increase after light exercise and remained unchanged with fasting.
Source: Ferra
