The effect of 12-weeks concurent training on the serum levels NGF, BDNF, and VDBP in women with multiple sclerosis

Recent studies suggest that patients with multiple sclerosis(MS) have low levels of neurotrophic factors such as nerve growth factor(NGF), brain-derived neurothrophic factor(BDNF) and the vitamin D-binding protein(VDBP), and exercise training may affects these factors in people with MS. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a combined exercise training programon the serum levels of neurotrophic factos in women with MS. A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in 24 volunteer MS patients(Expanded Disability Status Scale range of 1–5). Resting serum levels of BDNF, NGF, VDBP, body composition variables, and disability scale values were determined before and after the intervention. The intervention consisted of three sessions of combined training a week for 12 weeks(two sessions of aerobic and one session of resistance training, progressively). Aerobic training consisted of interval training with 4-13 repetition of aerobic activity at 40-55% of heart rate reserve; and resistance training consisted of 8-12 repetitions with 60-80% of 1RM for eight movements. The results showed a significant decrease in body fat percentage (p=0.003) and disability scale value(p=0.007) in the experimental group. no other significant changes was observed for other variables or in the control group. This study indicates that although the combined aerobic and resistance training in three non-consecutive days per week for 12 weeks has no effect on NGF, BDNF, and VDBP; however with positive effects on the body fat percentage and disability scale value can be for women with MS.