Effect of 8 weeks of pilates training on serum level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and dynamic balance in men with multiple sclerosis

Studies have shown that pilates exercises play a role in the treatment and prevention of neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the possible mechanism for this effect is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of pilates training on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and dynamic balance of men with MS.

This study was a semi-experimental study with pre-test and post-test design. Twenty-two men with mean age of 34.9 ±3.7 years, mean expanded disability status scale (EDSS) of 3.6 ±1.07 and mean body mass index (BMI) of 24.07 ±4.3 kg/m2 were selected and randomly assigned into pilates exercise training (n=12) and control (n=10) groups. The experimental group performed three sessions per week of pilates exercise training for 8 weeks. The timed up and go balance test (TUG) was used to evaluate the patients’ balance, moreover, the sandwich ELISA method was applied to measure serum BDNF levels. For statistical analysis, the t-test was used to compare the intra-group changes and the ANCOVA method to compare between the groups changes at the significant level of p < 0.05.

intra-group changes showed that serum BDNF levels in pilates group increased significantly (p=0.03) and duration of TUG test also decreased significantly (p=0.02); neither of these two variables displayed a significant change in the control group (p>0.05). There was a significant difference between two groups after 8 weeks of training in the serum level of BDNF (p=0.04) as well as the balance test (p=0.01).

Pilates exercises can be considered as important part of rehabilitation programs for patients with MS because of the increase in BDNF and the improvement of balance in the intervention group.