Authors
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise in water on cortisol levels and TGF-β in men with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Materials and Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental and applied method with pre and posttest. The study population was 30 male patients with MS referred to a neurologist in Mashhad, Iran; who were randomly divided into two groups (experimental and control). Exercise program for the experimental group consisted of 24 40-minute sessions of aerobic exercise in water for eight weeks, with a frequency of three times per week. So that, based on the principle of overload, after every eight sessions, 10 minutes was added to exercise program. Before and after the exercise program, blood samples were taken from the patients for measurement of cortisol and TGF-β levels. Data were analyzed by independent sample t-test (between-group differences) and paired t-test (within-group differences), and P≤0.05 was statistically considered significant.
Results: The results indicated that there was a significant difference between the two groups in cortisol levels; so that the exercise program significantly decreased cortisol levels (P=0.001). On the other hand, there was no significant difference in TGF-β levels.
Conclusion: The results showed that MS patients can benefit from a longer period of aerobic exercise in water, to improve their own immune system via reduction in TGF-β level.
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