Effects of Eight Weeks of Aerobic Exercise on Markers of Oxidative Stress in Elderly Women

Background and Objectives: Oxidative stress is a common mediator in pathogenicity of established cardiovascular risk factors. The purpose of this study was to determine effects of selected aerobic training on some oxidative stress indicators in sedentary elderly women. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 21 participants (age range: 60-70 years) were selected by convenience sampling and then randomly assigned to an exercise group (n=11) and a control group (n=10). Aerobic exercise was performed at 50-70% of heart rate reserve for 45-60 minutes per session, three sessions a week, for eight weeks. Blood samples were taken at baseline and 24 hours after the last training session. Within-group and between-group differences were assessed using paired sample t-test and independent t-test, respectively. Statistical significance level was set at 0.05. Results: Weight, body mass index and body fat percentage decreased significantly after the exercise intervention (P<0.05). We also noted a significant reduction in endothelin1 levels in both groups (P<0.05). Nitric oxide increased significantly after the eight-week exercise training (P<0.05). Moreover, serum 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine levels decreased significantly in the exercise group (P<0.05). No significant change was observed in malondialdehyde and urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine levels in both groups. The result also showed a significant difference in subjects’ weight and in nitric oxide and 8hydroxydeoxyguanosine levels between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: It seems that regular aerobic exercise at moderate intensity can improve antioxidative capacity and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in elderly women.