The effect of combined exercise training on neuregulin-1 gene expression, balance and body composition in patients with multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system that affects the brain and spinal cord and cause disturbances in the conduction of nerve and electrical currents. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of combined training on the expression of neuregulin-1 gene, balance and body composition in patients with MS.

Materials and Methods:

 Thirty women with MS mean age 47.7±4.79 year and weight 69.70±5.5 kg living in Mashhad city were randomly divided into two experimental (15 people) and control (15 people) groups. The experimental group performed combined exercises including resistance exercises with an intensity of 65 to 85% of a one maximum repetition and aerobic exercises with 60 to 70% of maximum heart rate for eight weeks, three days a week, and 45 minutes in each session while the control group did not participate in any sports program during this period. Blood samples were taken from the brachial vein before and 48 hours after exercise in a fasting state. Neuroglin-1 gene expression ​​were determined using Real Time PCR method. Balance index was measured by BDI and TUG tests, and body composition also was measured using a body composition analyzer. Data were analyzed using independent t-test and paired t-test at the significant level of p≤0.05.

Combined training significantly increased neuregulin-1 gene expression (p=0.001), static balance (p=0.001), dynamic balance (p=0.001), lean body mass (p=0.001) and significantly decreased fat body mass (p=0.001) in MS people.

Based on the findings of the present research, combined exercises can improve the conditions of MS patients by increasing the influencing factors in the illness.