The Effects of Combined Training on OxidativeStress and Antioxidant Defense Indicators

Abstract

Introduction: Physical activity and exercise due to increased cellular oxidative process lead to increased free-radical production and reactive oxygen species. "Oxidative stress" is defined as the disturbed balance between oxidative and antioxidative indicators in favor of oxidative species. Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 23 sedentary boys volunteered to participate. They were randomly assigned to 2 groups of training (n = 13) and control (n = 10). The combined trainings included endurance running with 60% to 80% of maximum heart rate and resistance weight training with 40% to 50% and one repetition maximum intensity. Blood samples were taken from the subjects’ forearm vein, 24 hours before and 48 hours after the last training session in a fasting state. Paired and independent t tests were used to locate the inner-group and inter-group changes respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. A P <0.01 was considered significant. Results: Malondialdehyde (MDA) level as a marker of oxidative stress in the exercise group decreased significantly after 24 sessions of exercise (P = 0.015), while the index of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) significantly increased in the exercise group (P = 0.021). There was no significant difference in the 2 indexes in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The present study suggests that combined training provides a good balance between indicators of oxidative stress and antioxidant defense among sedentary boys and this would prevent the overproduction of free radicals.

Keywords

• Combined training
• Oxidative stress markers
• Antioxidant defense