The Effects of Progressive Resistance Training on Malondialdehyde Concentration and Superoxide Dismutase Enzyme Activity in Inactive Elderly Women

Aging process is associated with increased free radicals and cellular damage. However, resistance training may cause balance of the oxidative and antioxidant system in the elderly. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of progressive resistance training (PRT) on malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity in inactive elderly women. 26 inactive elderly women voluntarily participated in present study and divided into progressive resistance training (PRT; n=13) and control group (Con; n=13). The PRT performed resistance training for eight weeks (three sessions per week). Blood samples were collected before and after 8 week of progressive resistance training and analyzed for MDA concentration and SOD activities.  Results showed that after eight weeks of progressive resistance training, MDA concentration significantly decreased in the PRT compared to the control group (p=0.001). Also, SOD activity in the PRT was significantly increased compared to the control group (p=0.002). The present study showed progressive resistance training cause reduction in malondialdehyde concentration and increase activity of superoxide dismutase that is an important factor in reducing aging process. Therefore, it seems that the regular resistance training causes to balance the oxidant system and reinforcement the antioxidant system in the body and can play a role in preventing serious damage that caused by oxidative stress, especially in aging.