Effect of Eight-week Selected Aerobic and Resistance Exercises on the Plasma Levels of Irisin, Follistatin, and Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 in Women Recovered from COVID-19

Background and Objectives Recently, performing regular sports activities has been considered an effective strategy for the rehabilitation of patients who have recovered from COVID-19. The present study aimed to assess the effect of eight weeks of selected aerobic and resistance exercises on the plasma levels of irisin, follistatin, and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in women who recovered from COVID-19. Subjects and Methods A total of 33 women who recovered from COVID-19 were assigned to three groups, namely aerobic exercise, resistance, and control, after the general call and selection. Aerobic training with an intensity of 50%-70% of the reserve heart rate and resistance training with an intensity of 40%-75% of a maximum repetition was performed for eight weeks (three sessions per week). Irisin, follistatin, and FGF21 levels were measured using the ELISA method. The data were analyzed using the analysis of variance statistical test at the significant level of < 0.05. Results As illustrated by the results, selected aerobic and resistance exercises caused a significant increase in irisin, follistatin, and FGF21 levels. The results of the post hoc test demonstrated that this increase was significant in the aerobic and resistance groups compared to the control group. Moreover, within-group changes pointed to a significant increase in the mean before and after the intervention in the aerobic and resistance groups. Conclusion Carrying out selected aerobic and resistance exercises in women who recovered from COVID-19 boosts their physical strength and is effective in quick recovery by restoring some indicators of myokine profile.