The purpose of this study was to determine if maximal aerobic exercise promotes BDNF expression in obese individuals. Plasma levels and the expression of BDNF in PBMCs were examined. 22 participants (10 obese, 12 non-obese) completed a V02max treadmill test and blood was obtained pre, post, and 1 and 2 hours into exercise recovery. Plasma and PBMCs were isolated and analyzed for BDNF via ELISA and Western blot techniques. A significant effect for time was observed for plasma BDNF (P= <0.00 1 ). Additionally, A significant group-by-time interaction was found from pre-to-RIH for BDNF expression in PBMCs (P= 0.046). Further, significant correlations were found between BMI and waist circumference (r= .91, P< 0.001), WHR (r= .51, P= 0.002) and Pre-to-RlH ratio (r=0.58, P=0.008). Young obese subject's BDNF response to maximal exercise was consistent with previous studies. Post-exercise BDNF expressed in PBMCs were significantly higher than rest suggesting immunological-neuroprotective interactions in the CNS. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2016. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection