Effect of Eight Weeks of Aerobic Exercise on the Plasma Levels of Matrix Metalloproteinase in Life Guards: A Pilot Study

Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of proteinases in charge of extracellular matrix decomposition. The present research aimed at investigating the effects of 8 weeks of aerobic training on MMP plasma levels in lifeguards. This study was a quasi-experimental one with 19 volunteer participants who were randomly assigned to either the control group (n=8) or the experimental group (n=11). The latter did aerobic exercises in water for 8 weeks at 65 to 75% of their reserved heart rate. Fasting blood samples (10cc) were collected from the brachial vein before and after the training protocol. MMP plasma level was determined by applying ELIZA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) method and the data were analyzed using SPSS 16 software. The significance level was set at p<0.05. Results showed a significant increase in MMP-2 level in the experimental group as compared to the control group. Increasing MMP levels due to 8 weeks of aerobic exercise in water may play an important role in physiological functions and tissue homeostasis. It may indicate remodeling of muscle fibers and connective tissue.