Effects of an 8-Week Aerobic Exercise Program on Some Indicators of Oxidative Stress in Elderly Women

Oxidative stress has an important role in the pathogenesis of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and aging. The present study investigated the effects of 8 weeks of aerobic training on 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine and body composition in elderly women.  This was a quasi-experimental study. The study participants were selected by convenience sampling method. In total, 21 subjects with the age range of 60-70 years were assigned into 2 groups (experimental [n=11] and control [n=10]). The 8-week aerobic training program were demonstrated 3 sessions a week, for 45-60 minutes per session, with the intensity of 50% to 70% of maximum heart rate. The blood samples were obtained 24 hours after the intervention to measure the serum levels of 8-OHdG. For comparison of within and between group mean scores, Paired t test and Independent samples t test were used, respectively. Eight weeks aerobic training significantly reduced the weight, BMI and body fat percentage in elderly women. Moreover, the levels of serum 8-OHdG after an 8 weeks aerobic training significantly reduced. However, the levels of 8-OHdG urine reduced at the end of the training, but it was non-significant. There were significant differences between active and inactive elderly woman in terms of weight and serum 8-OHdG variables. This study suggests that aerobic training decreases serum 8-OHdG. Regular aerobic physical activity with moderate intensity improves the body anti-oxidative capacity and can prevent the incidence of atherosclerosis disease.