Levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with fibromyalgia and chronic low back pain: Results of an aquatic physical therapy protocol
Daniela Gomez Martin,
Carolina David Wiener,
Caroline Xavier de Freitas,
Joice Luisa Costa,
Airton José Rombaldi,
Jean Pierre Oses
Affiliations
Daniela Gomez Martin
Translational Science on Brain Disorders, Clinical Neuroscience Lab, Department of Health and Behavior, Catholic University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS 96015-560, Brazil. Brazilian Association of Physiotherapy in Orthopedics and Traumatology (ABRAFITO), Porto Alegre, RS 91530-170, Brazil.
Carolina David Wiener
Department of Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS 96020-220, Brazil.
Caroline Xavier de Freitas
University Hospital São Francisco de Paula, Catholic University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS 96020-220, Brazil.
Joice Luisa Costa
Translational Science on Brain Disorders, Clinical Neuroscience Lab, Department of Health and Behavior, Catholic University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS 96015-560, Brazil.
Airton José Rombaldi
Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS 96055-530, Brazil.
Jean Pierre Oses
Translational Science on Brain Disorders, Clinical Neuroscience Lab, Department of Health and Behavior, Catholic University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS 96015-560, Brazil. Technology Application in Neurosciences, Department of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, Catholic University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS 96015-560, Brazil.
Objectives: This work aims to assess changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in women after the practice of a specific short duration 10-session aquatic physical therapy protocol in patients with fibromyalgia (FB). Methods: Case–control study. Thirteen women diagnosed with FB and 11 controls with the same age group, 35–55 years. Patients were evaluated according to the visual analog scale of pain and the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ). All were subjected to a short protocol totaling 10 sessions of 40 min twice a week for five weeks. Heart rate and pain were monitored. BDNF levels were measured using enzyme immunoassay. Results: A statistically significant increase in BDNF values was noted in patients with FB between the pre- and post-10th session assessments (mean of 35.52–41.96; p = 0.041). Conclusion: BDNF values may present fluctuations during a short duration moderate aerobic exercise protocol, when measured and analyzed in a longitudinal design. Further studies with a more frequent BDNF evaluation could help in understanding its behavior more accurately and are warranted.
