Combined progressive functional exercise effect on contactin-1 and contactin-2 level in mildly disabled persons with...

Although contactin-1 and contactin-2 are known as two proteins involved in axonal regeneration, it is unclear whether these proteins are induced by exercise in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).

The aim of this study was to determine the serum levels of contactin-1 and contactin-2 in PwMS and to investigate the change of these markers with exercise.

A total of 60 participants with relapsing-remitting MS were divided into groups by stratified randomization. The progressive functional exercise was applied to the intervention group. Participants in the control group continued the treatments and lives of the routines. Participants' contactin-1 and contactin-2, cognitive performance and aerobic capacities were evaluated.

The comparison of the pre-and post-study values of contactin-1 and contactin-2 showed significant differences only in the intervention group. The contactin-1 and contactin-2 values were similar between the groups before the exercise, whereas a significant difference was found in favor of the intervention group after the exercise. Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test-3 value increased significantly only in the intervention group.

With this study, it was shown for the first time that contactin-1 and contactin-2, which play an important role in axonal regeneration and axonal organization, can be increased by exercise.