Effect of 8 weeks resistance training on plasma levels of nerve growth factor and interlukin-6 in female patients with multiple sclerosis

Background: In recent years, evidence from a number of studies has suggested that exercise is a safe and efficient way to induce improvements in a number of physiological functions in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, but the effects of exercise on nerve growth factor (NGF) and interlukin-6 (IL-6) in these patients are not well known. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 8 weeks resistance training on plasma NGF and IL-6 in female patients with MS. Materials and methods: Thirty two female MS patients with 32.4±5.5 years of old, and expanded disability status scale (EDSS) 0-4.5, participated in this study. The subjects were randomly assigned to control group (n=13) and training group (n=14). Subjects in training group performed selected upper and lower extremities resistance training with weight-training equipment and rubber bands 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Body composition parameters, NGF and IL-6 levels were measured before and after the intervention. Results: The results showed that body weight, body mass index, body fat mass and EDSS were decreased significantly after 8 weeks in training group compared to control group (P<0.05). Also, no significant differences were seen after the intervention in NGF and IL-6 between the training and control groups. Conclusion: The results suggest resistance training with specific intensity and duration utilized in this study improves EDSS in female patients with MS but it has no effecting on NGF and IL-6 in these patients.