The effect of long-term home-based exercise training on interleukin-6 and interleukin-17 cytokines and disease status in people with Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is related to the nervous system that is associated with chronic inflammation and failure of immune system responses. Exercise activities have been considered in the treatment process of MS patients. Considering the effects of immune system indices, especially cytokines in MS, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of combined exercise training at home on inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-6 (IL-17) in patients with MS. 42 patients with MS were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The subjects in the experimental group participated in a 6-month home-based combined exercise training, five times a week. Blood samples were taken for cytokines measurement. Also, developed physical disability status (EDSS), and gait-related performance were assessed before and after the exercise training. SPSS statistical software was used to analyze the results and the significance level was P<0.05. TThe present study showed an improvement in the EDSS index in people with MS, which coincides with an improvement in gait function (P <0.05). Moreover, serum levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-17 decreased significantly in the exercise group (P <0.05).
Prolonged exercise training at home was associated with a significant decrease in inflammatory cytokines and improved function in patients with MS. It seems that this type of exercise training can be effective in the possible improvement of immune system responses, especially inflammatory responses, and can be considered as a complementary therapy along with adjunctive therapies for these patients.