The effect of progressive resistance exercises on anxiety and mood of women with MS

Poster Presentation
Paper ID : 1543-SSRC
Authors
1گروه فیزیولوژی ورزشی، دانشکده تربیت بدنی، دانشگاه گیلان، رشت، گیلان، ایران
2گروه فیزیولوژی ورزشی، دانشکده تربیت بدنی و علوم ورزشی، دانشگاه گیلان، رشت، گیلان، ایران
3گروه علوم اعصاب، دانشکده پزشکی، دانشگاه علوم پزشکی گیلان، رشت، گیلان، ایران
Abstract
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex autoimmune disease that leads to inflammation, physical, and cognitive impairments. The impact of MS extends beyond the confines of physical disabilities. Emerging evidence underscores a significant link between MS and increased susceptibility to mood disorders, especially anxiety and depression.

While there is existing research on the impact of aerobic exercise on MS symptoms and mood, there is noticeably less research concerning the effects of progressive resistance exercise on mood and anxiety. Progressive resistance exercise, characterized by muscle contractions against external resistance, has demonstrated its efficacy in various health conditions, but its specific application and impact on MS and related mood disorders have not received sufficient attention.

Objective:
This clinical study aimed to investigate the effects of progressive resistance exercises over an 8-week period on anxiety, mood, and cortisol levels in women with relapsing-remitting MS.

Methodology:
The clinical study involved 20 female participants with relapsing-remitting MS, aged 20 to 50, exhibiting disability scores ranging from 0 to 5.5. Participants were randomly assigned to either the progressive resistance exercise group (10 participants) or the control group (10 participants). The 8-week exercise protocol, conducted three days a week, included warm-up, resistance exercises, and cool-down. All movements were designed to be achievable in a home environment, with instructors ensuring exercise quality through video contact in each session. Anxiety and mood questionnaires were administered on days 10 and 11 of the menstrual cycle, and blood samples were collected before and after the exercise protocol from brachialis vein.

Results:
The study demonstrated that 8 weeks of progressive resistance exercise had positive effects on mood states, including sociability, activity level, reduced fatigue, and fear. Additionally, it led to an increase in intragroup anxiety and cortisol levels , which later could be considered as an improvement in inflammation status due to cortisol anti-inflammatory characteristics.

Conclusion:
Considering the statistical results, resistance exercise of the progressive type improves mood states in women with MS. Contrary to expectations, it also induces an increase in anxiety levels in these patients, aligned with the rise in cortisol levels.
Keywords