The Effects of Eight Weeks of Pilates Training on Serum Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Fatigue in Men with Multiple Sclerosis

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 ¹ Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.

2 Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

3 Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

10.22080/jaep.2026.31545.2252

Abstract

Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by demyelination and progressive dysfunction, often accompanied by fatigue and reduced physical capacity. Exercise is considered an effective non pharmacological approach for managing MS-related symptoms. Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is a key neurotrophin involved in neuronal survival and plasticity, yet the effects of Pilates exercise on NGF in MS are not well understood. This study investigated the effects of an eight week Pilates program on serum NGF levels and fatigue in men with MS.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study used a pretest–posttest control group design. Twenty-two men with MS were recruited through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to a Pilates group (n = 12) or a control group (n = 10). The training group performed Pilates exercises three times per week for eight weeks (60 minutes per session), while the control group maintained their usual lifestyle. Serum NGF was measured using ELISA, and fatigue was assessed with the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Data were analyzed using two way repeated measures ANOVA with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Serum NGF significantly increased in the Pilates group (p = 0.01), with no significant change in the control group (p = 0.41). Fatigue scores decreased significantly following training (p = 0.02), while the control group showed no significant change (p = 0.63).
Conclusion: An eight week Pilates program may enhance neurobiological markers and reduce fatigue in men with MS.

Keywords

Journal of Applied Exercise Physiology
Volume 22, Issue 43
June 2026
Pages 39-50

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History

  • Receive Date: 14 April 2026
  • Revise Date: 19 May 2026
  • Accept Date: 28 May 2026

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