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Aquatic exercise with Swedish massage increases neurotrophic factors and decreases interleukin-6 (IL-6) in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.
Source: Biology of Exercise . 2019, Vol. 15 Issue 1, p171-186. 16p. 9 Charts.
Author(s): A., NAGHIBZADEH; G., MOHAMMADI; P. J., DARLINGTON; F., REZAEI NAMJOO; A., RASHIDLAMIR
Abstract:
Introduction: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotropic factor (CNTF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) are regenerative factors in multiple sclerosis (MS). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine and anti-inflammatory myokine with an increased level of expression in MS patients. The present study investigated the effects of aquatic exercise and massage on BDNF, CNTF, NGF, and IL-6 gene expression and plasma levels, with balance and strength assessment in MS patients.
Methods: Twenty-six relapsing-remitting MS patients in remission (age 33.4±6, weight 62.9±10 kg, and EDSS range 2-4) were randomly assigned into four groups: aquatic exercise, Swedish massage, aquatic exercise combined with Swedish massage, and control group. They received 3 sessions per week lasting 30 min for 8 weeks. Blood sampling and functional measurements were made 48 hours before the first session and 48 hours after the last session.
Results: BDNF and NGF increased significantly in all intervention groups, as did balance. CNTF and strength increased, and IL-6 gene expression decreased significantly following aquatic exercises and aquatic exercise combined with massage, but not massage alone.
Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that aquatic exercise, combined with massage as a way to boost regenerative growth factors and reduce inflammatory IL-6. We suggest these as supplementary interventions for MS patients to improve strength and balance.
Source: Biology of Exercise . 2019, Vol. 15 Issue 1, p171-186. 16p. 9 Charts.
Author(s): A., NAGHIBZADEH; G., MOHAMMADI; P. J., DARLINGTON; F., REZAEI NAMJOO; A., RASHIDLAMIR
Abstract:
Introduction: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotropic factor (CNTF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) are regenerative factors in multiple sclerosis (MS). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine and anti-inflammatory myokine with an increased level of expression in MS patients. The present study investigated the effects of aquatic exercise and massage on BDNF, CNTF, NGF, and IL-6 gene expression and plasma levels, with balance and strength assessment in MS patients.
Methods: Twenty-six relapsing-remitting MS patients in remission (age 33.4±6, weight 62.9±10 kg, and EDSS range 2-4) were randomly assigned into four groups: aquatic exercise, Swedish massage, aquatic exercise combined with Swedish massage, and control group. They received 3 sessions per week lasting 30 min for 8 weeks. Blood sampling and functional measurements were made 48 hours before the first session and 48 hours after the last session.
Results: BDNF and NGF increased significantly in all intervention groups, as did balance. CNTF and strength increased, and IL-6 gene expression decreased significantly following aquatic exercises and aquatic exercise combined with massage, but not massage alone.
Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that aquatic exercise, combined with massage as a way to boost regenerative growth factors and reduce inflammatory IL-6. We suggest these as supplementary interventions for MS patients to improve strength and balance.