Influence of rehabilitation with the use of sulphide and hydrogen sulphide baths on the concentration of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and selected parameters of cognitive, executive and affect functions in multiple sclerosis patients

Abstract

Aim: To compare the blood serum BDNF concentration in MS patients before and after a standard three-week rehabilitation offered by the NHF. The study compared the expected growth of the BDNF concentration in a group of patients rehabilitated with the help of standard kinesiotherapy and a group of patients rehabilitated with kinesiotherapy plus sulphide and hydro sulphide baths as well as the results of the assessment of the cognitive and executive functions of MS patients in the two groups. Materials and methods: Participants in the study were divided into 3 groups of 20 people each. Group 1. MS patients rehabilitated for 3 weeks in the Day Ward of the Rehabilitation Clinic – standard kinesiotherapy. Group 2. MS patients rehabilitated for 3 weeks in the Day Ward of the Rehabilitation Clinic – kinesiotherapy with sulphide baths. Group 3. Healthy volunteers – occasional BDNF determination. In the group of MS patients the BDNF concentration was determined prior to and after the rehabilitation. Group 3 was monitored for BDNF levels initially lower than in MS patients. Results: Rehabilitation of MS patients with kinesiotherapy and sulphide baths causes a statistically higher growth of BDNF concentration than rehabilitation alone in this group of patients (p<0.001). Results of neuropsychological tests of MS patients rehabilitated with kinesiotherapy and balneotherapy elements are statistically better than of patients rehabilitated with kinesiotherapy (p<0.033). Conclusions: Research findings show that sulphide and hydro sulphuric baths seem to be a valuable supplement to MS patients’ rehabilitation.