THE RESPONSE OF SERUM CORTISOL AND LIPID PROFILE TO A MODERATELY INTENSIVE AEROBIC EXERCISE IN NON-ACTIVE MIDDLE-AGED MEN

Incidence of cardiovascular disease and stroke can be due to decreased mobility or non-suitable life style. Exercise induces changes in blood lipids, cortisol. The aim of this study was to evaluate response of serum cortisol and lipid profile to a moderately intensive aerobic exercise in non-active middle-aged men. Thirty middle-aged men with an age range of 40-50 years were volunteered in this study. The exercise group performed an aerobic exercise training on the treadmill up to 65% of maximum heart rate (HRmax) for 30 minutes. Blood samples were obtained from the two groups before, immediately after, and 12 hours after the exercise. Cortisol, triglyceride, cholesterol, and VLDL levels immediately after exercise in the exercise group showed a significant increase comparing to control subjects (p<0.05). There were not any significant changes in the cortisol and lipid profiles in the recovery state (p>0.05). The difference between the immediately after exercise values with that of the base values of cortisol and lipids concentrations was significant, and it increased in the exercise group comparing with the control group (p<0.05). There were significant increase in cortisol, cholesterol, VLDL and LDL levels in the exercise group immediately after exercise comparing with the recovery condition (p<0.05). Moderately-intensive aerobic exercise, with stimulation of cortisol, increases the blood lipid concentrations in order to increase their metabolism, and it provides a desirable condition to reduce the cardiovascular risk factors.