Voluntary exercise does not ameliorate spatial learning and memory deficits induced by chronic administration of nandrolone decanoate in rats

► Chronic use of nandrolone decanoate (ND) is associated with changes in cognitive functions. ► Voluntary exercise enhances cognitive functions via a BDNF-dependent mechanism. ► Voluntary exercise was unable to improve the disruption of cognitive functions by chronic ND. ► Voluntary exercise-induced increase in hippocampal BDNF levels was potentiated by ND. ► Increased levels of BDNF may play a role in ND-induced impairments in learning and memory.