Response of plasma levels of Irisin, Follistatin and FGF21 to aerobic exercise in women recovered from Covid-19

Recently, performing regular sports activities due to the release of Myokines has been considered as a suitable strategy for rehabilitation, control of complications and consequences related to Covid-19. The purpose of this study was to investigate the response of plasma levels of Irisin, Follistatin and FGF21 to aerobic training in women recovered from Covid-19. 22 women recovered from Covid-19 in Abadan and Khorramshahr cities were divided into two groups of 11 people, including the aerobic exercise group and the control group, after a general call and selection. The aerobic exercise group performed the exercise protocol with an intensity of 50 to 70% of the reserve heart rate for eight weeks (three sessions per week). Before and after the end of the training protocol, blood samples were collected and Irisin, Follistatin and FGF21 levels were measured by ELISA method. The data were analyzed using the statistical test of covariance (ANCOA) at p<0.05. Based on the comparison of data between the groups, values of Irisin (P<0.05), Follistatin (P<0.05) and FGF21 (P<0.05) in the aerobic group significantly increased as compared to the control group. Also, intragroup changes of Irisin (P<0.05), Follistatin (P<0.05) and FGF21 (P<0.05) also showed that there is a significant increase between the average before and after the aerobic group. Performing aerobic exercises in women recovered from Covid-19 can be effective in restoring their Myokine profile