Effect of 12 weeks aerobic, resistance and combined trainings on serum levels of NGF in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy

Background: Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is the most important member of the neurotrophin family that it is essential in the growth and preservation of neuronal phenotype and functional integrity of cholinergic neurons. Purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 12 weeks aerobic, resistance and combined training on serum levels of NGF in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy.

Methods: In this semi-experimental study cases were randomly selected and divided to four groups: aerobic, resistance, combined and control. Aerobic training includes three sessions per week with intensity 70-75% maximum heart rate for 25 to 45 minutes and resistance training, consists of two sets of upper body muscles and trunk muscles, three sets of lower body muscles with 8 to 12 repetitions, three sessions a week. Combined training includes both aerobic and resistance training, which was performed three sessions per week. In the combined training, aerobic training and then resistance training were performed three sessions per week. Before and after the three-month period of the research, subjects were blood sampled.

Results: The 12 weeks of training in all three groups significantly increased serum levels of NGF (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the highest increase was observed in aerobic group.

Conclusion: The regular training increases the levels of NGF and prevents the development of peripheral neuropathy.