Repeated hyperthermia exposure increases circulating Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor levels which is associated with improved quality of life, and reduced anxiety: A randomized controlled trial.

•Hyperthermia is known to be beneficial to patients affected by various diseases.•Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) increases as response to acute exposure to exercise and hyperthermia.•Little is known about the effects of repeated exposure to hyperthermia on circulating BDNF.•Twenty-five healthy young participants were repeatedly exposed to both hyperthermia and light intensity exercise (ten weeks).•A 10-week programme of repeated hyperthermia increased circulating BDNF compared to intermittent exercise programme.