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

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. 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. 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. 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.