The Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Lipid Profile and Body Composition in Women With Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Background: Recent studies show that serum lipid profile and body composition have effects on the prognosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of aerobic dancing training on serum lipid profile in women with RRMS (relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis). Patients and Methods: Twenty-eight RRMS patients, age range 20-45 years with mild disability (expanded disability status scale 3 (EDSS 3)) participated in this semi-experimental study. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: exercise group (n = 15) and control group (n = 13). Lipid profile and body composition parameters were measured before and after the intervention. Exercise group participated in aerobic dancing training program at 50% -70 % heart rate reserve (HRR) for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week. Results: At the end of the 8 week period, significant decreases have been found in TG (triglyceride), TC (total cholesterol), VLDL (very low density lipoprotein) levels and percent body fat (PBF) in exercise group (P < 0.05). Also, a significant difference observed in TG, VLDL levels, and PBF between 2 groups at the final measuring (P < 0.05). There was no significant change in the investigated parameters between initial and final measurements in the control group (P > 0.05). Conclusions: In general, the results confirm the positive influence of the regular aerobic dance training on changes in lipid profile and body composition parameters in female patients with RRMS.