Low intensity aerobic exercise and oxidative stress markers in older adults

J Aging Phys Act. 2014 Oct;22(4):536-42. doi: 10.1123/japa.2013-0037. Epub 2013 Nov 13.

Abstract

This comparative study examined the effects of regular low intensity aerobic exercise on oxidative stress markers in older adults. The study was carried out on 15 sedentary subjects (age: 65.1 ± 3.5 years) versus 18 subjects performing fitness exercises (age: 65.8 ± 3.3 years). Before and after an incremental exercise test, oxidative stress markers were assessed. Superoxide dismutase was higher at rest and at the recovery for the physically active subjects compared with sedentary subjects (p < .05). At recovery, glutathione peroxidase and α -Tocopherol increased significantly above the resting values only in the active group (p < .05). Malondialdehyde had increased in both groups (p < .01), associated with a higher level in the sedentary group (p < .05) at the recovery. These data suggest that low intensity aerobic exercise may be useful to prevent the decline of antioxidants linked with aging.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Antioxidants / metabolism*
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Exercise Test / methods
  • Female
  • Glutathione Peroxidase / blood
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Malondialdehyde / blood
  • Middle Aged
  • Oxidative Stress / physiology*
  • Physical Fitness / physiology
  • Sedentary Behavior*
  • Superoxide Dismutase / blood
  • alpha-Tocopherol / blood

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Biomarkers
  • Malondialdehyde
  • Glutathione Peroxidase
  • Superoxide Dismutase
  • alpha-Tocopherol