The effects of eight weeks yoga training on serum levels of BDNF in women with multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is demyelinating disease in which the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor plays a key role in neuronal and axonal survival and remyelination. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 8 weeks of yoga training on serum BDNF level in female MS patients. Sixteen female with MS (age:37.8± 7.7 years, height: 161.7 ± 7.4 cm, weigh: 70.7 ± 18.2 kg and EDSS <4) were were randomly assigned into yoga (n=8) and control (n=8) groups. The experimental group participated in eight weeks of yoga training (24 sessions, 3 sessions/wk). The control group continued to their daily ordinary activities. Blood samples were collected 48 hours before and after the training period. Serum levels of BDNF were measured with Human BDNF Immunoassay ELISA kits. Statistical analysis of data was performed by paired and independent sample t test at significance level p≤0.05. Results showed that yoga training after 8 weeks could increase serum BDNF level in female MS patients, whereas a synchronized decrease was observed in the control group. Overall the results showed MS patients’ serum BDNF level could be elevated by yoga training which is expected to be beneficial in neuronal repair and maintenance.