Effect of aerobic exercise on dehydroepianderestrone and cortisol in in female patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

<em>Introduction:</em> The aim of this study was to examine the effects of 8 weeks aerobic training on dehydroepianderestrone sulfate (DHEA-S) and cortisol in female patients with multiple sclerosis disease.<br /> <em>Material & Methods:</em> Twenty seven women with MS disease in a range of 20-47 year of old and EDSS lower than 5.5 participated in this study as the subject. Subjects were divided into control group (n=14) or training group (n=13) randomly. The training group performed aerobic training program, 3 days a week for 8 weeks according to 55-60 percentage of VO_2max. The control group was in absolute rest at the same time. Serum level of DHEA-S and cortisol were measured by ELISA kits before and after training.<br /> <em>Results:</em> The results showed that cortisol and DHEA-S concentrations did not change significantly after the intervention.<br /> <em>Conclusions:</em> In conclusion, the results suggest aerobic training with specific intensity and duration utilized in this study had not effects on cortisol and DHEA-S levels in female patients with MS.