Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

    Background: Intensive physical activity is known to induce oxidative stress. Contrarily, there are enzymatic and non enzymatic defence systems against Reactive oxygen Species (ROS) and oxygen radicals in aerobic organisms. As compared to non aerobic excersie, during aerobic exercise the need for oxygen increases up to 10-200 times that of rest time therefore increasing cell metabilism and stress oxidative. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of 8 weeks continuous and regular exercise on Total Antioxidant (TAC), Superoxid Dismutase (SOD), Glutathion peroxidase(GSH-px) enzymes activity and Malondialdehyde (MDA- as the index of lipid peroxidation) in young soccer players.

Methods: The study was of semi-experimental type. For this purpose 32 young male volunteer soccer players were selected and then randomly divided in two groups (experimental and control). The above healthy young men, aged 14-17 years old, did not have any programmed physical activity. Erythrocyte lipid peroxidation, ACT, SOD, GSH-px erytrocyte activities and MDA, were determined in fasting blood samples which were taken (twice) before and after the end of 8 weeks training program at rest. For statistical analysis t-test and SPSS V.15 was used.

Results: At the end of training, aerobic and anaerobic capacity increased significantly (respectively p<0.000 and p<0.000). Also MDA (index of erythrocyte lipid peroxidation) and SOD activity after 8 weeks of exercise increased significantly(p<0.000), (p<0.000), while TAC activity decreased significantly (p<0.05) increase in GSH-px was observed which was significant in the experimental group.

Conclusion: The present research reveals the fact that continuous and regular exercise increases oxidative stress and SOD activity which is followed by decrease in lipid peroxidation levels. We conclude that exercise makes individuals stronger against oxidative stress and provides a healthy life.