Background & Objective: Resistance training is deemed to be beneficial for multiple sclerosis patients.
The aim of this study was to determine whether a program of RT and whole body vibration has any
effect on the pattern of hormonal changes in female MS patients. Methods: Twenty-four female MS
patients were enrolled in this study. They were aged between 20-40 years and ranged from 2-4 on the
Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Twelve patients took part in this protocole. The duration of
the program was eight weeks, each sessions were held three times per week. The twelve controls did not
take part in this program. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing-hormone, estradiol,
progesterone, testosterone, prolactin and cortisol were measured before and after the protocole between
the 8th and 10th day of the follicular phase of the patients’ menstrual cycle. Descriptive statistics and
co-variance analysis were adapted for evaluating the data. Results: Significant increases in levels of
testosterone and prolaction, whereas a significant decrease in levels of cortisol were detected.
Conclusion: The results provide clues as to the involvement of testosterone, prolactin and cortisol as
possible mediators of the beneficial effects of resistance training and whole body vibration in multiple
sclerosis.