The effect of aquatic aerobics exercises on some of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with multiple scleroesis

Abstract

Background: The most common complications of multiple sclerosis (MS) are fatigue, muscle cramps, tremore, squint, imbalance and gait disorders. Doing aquatic aerobics exercises lead to an increase in both physical strength as well as the domain of body movement in M.S patients. In addition, making the balance against the risk factors would decrease the risk of getting cardiovascular disease. Aim: Toinvestigate the effect of aquatic aerobics exercise on some of cardiovascular risk factors in female MS patients. Method: In this quasi-experimental study, 40 female MS patients on the basis of illness degree were allocated randomly into two groups. The experimental group participated in the exercise program for 8 weeks, each week three sessions with intensity of 50-60 percent of the maximum heart rate. The cardiovascular risk factors were measured in experimental and control groups before and after exercise. Blood cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and HDL were also measured. The collected data were analyzed by independent and paired t test. Results: After the exercise, the experimental group showed significant decrease in LDL (p<0.001), cholesterol (p<0.001) and triglyceride (p<0.005). There was no significant difference in HDL level in experimental group. Conclusion: Aquatic aerobics exercises cause an increase in physical strength in M.S patients so that moderate the cardiovascular risk factors and decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases. So, it is recommended to specialists to use these exercises as a supplementary treatment besides medical treatments for MS patients.