The Effects of Combined Exercise Training with Aerobic Dominant and Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Serum BDNF and NGF levels in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Physical activity and exercise are as the methods stimulating the secretion of nerve growth factors in MS patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combined exercise training with aerobic dominant and supplementation of coenzyme Q10 on serum BDNF and NGF levels in patients with multiple sclerosis.

In the semi-experimental research, twenty-eight MS patients (EDSS=3-5) were selected by using available sampling method and randomly divided into three experimental groups (combined exercise training Q10 supplementation, combined exercise training placebo, and Q10 supplementation) and one control group. two experimental groups performed a combined exercise program include two sessions of aerobic training and one session of resistance training three sessions per week for eight weeks. 200 mg of Q10 supplement was prescribed per day. Blood samples (after 10 hours fasting) were collected 24 hours before the first and 24 hours after the last session of exercise for evaluation of serum levels of BDNF and NGF. Data were analyzed with analysis of covariance at a significance level of pFindings: The results showed no significant changes in serum levels of BDNF and NGF in the three experimental groups compared to the control group (p≥0.05).

Combined exercise training with coenzyme Q10 supplementation cannot lead to changes in serum concentration of nerve growth factors (BDNF, NGF) in patients with MS. Therefore, it is necessary to change the duration and severity of this type of training as well as dose of Q10 supplementation.