Abstract
Globally, hepatitis C virus (HCV) adversely affects patients' function and their independent live. However, aerobic exercise may have disease modifying effects. Objective: The aim of this study was to detect the changes in quality of life, depression, mode and systemic inflammation in hepatitis C virus patients after aerobic exercises. Material and Methods: Eighty HCV patients (mean age 43.87 4.65 year) participated in the study and were enrolled into two groups. Group (A) received aerobic exercise on treadmill where, group (B) received no intervention. Values of Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Profile of Mood States (POMS), tumor necrosis factor - alpha (TNF- a), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and SF-36 HRQL were taken before and after the study. Results: There was a significant decrease in mean values of TNF- a, IL-6, CRP, BDI & POMS and increase in the mean values of SF-36 subscale scores, RSES in group (A) at the end of the study, but the changes in group (B) were not significant. Also, there were a significant differences between mean levels of the investigated parameters in group (A) and group (B) at the end of the study. Conclusion: Treadmill walking exercise training is an effective treatment policy to improve quality of life, systemic inflammation and psychological wellbeing in HCV patients.