Recently, performing regular sports activities Due to the secretion of myokines has been considered as a suitable non-invasive strategy for rehabilitation, controlling complications and consequences related to Covid-19. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise on the plasma levels of fibroblast growth factor 21, myostatin and some immune system indicators in recovered patients from covid-19.
24 men recovered from Covid-19, were selected and randomly divided into two groups, experimental group (n=12) and the control group (n=12). The aerobic training program were demonstrated 3 sessions a week, for 40-60 minutes per session, with the intensity of 60% to 80% of maximum heart rate. Plasma levels of FGF21, myostatin and some immune indices were measured (before and 48 hours after the protocol). The data were analyzed using the statistical test of covariance (ANCOA) at the level (P<0.05).
The results showed that aerobic training led to a significant increase in plasma levels of FGF21 (P=0.001) and a significant decrease plasma levels of myostatin (P=0.037) experimental group then compared to the control group. Regarding lymphocytes and neutrophils, considering the changes in plasma volume, the amount of lymphocytes increased significantly (P=0.028), but neutrophils did not show a significant change (P=0.33).
According to the results of this research, it seems that eight weeks of aerobic exercises can be effective in muscle rehabilitation and improvement of physical fitness of patients recovered from Covid-19 by increasing the amount of FGF21 and decreasing the amount of myostatin.