The Effects of Short Term Circuit Resistance Training on Serum Homocysteine and CRP Concentrations in Active and Inactive Females

Elevated levels of serum biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine have been independently associated with cardiovascular disease risk. However, the prevalence of concurrent changes of these biomarkers after short term circuit resistance training in females is unknown, as is their association with cardiovascular disease. Our aim was to compare the effects of short term circuit resistance training on serum homocysteine and CRP concentrations in active and inactive females. Forty-Three healthy, female university students, mean age 22/74±3/9 y, weight 59/91±9/8 kg, height 165/9±0/04 cm, BMI 21/73±3/1 (kg/m2), PBF 26/47±5/01, and Vo2max 38/65±5/43 (ml/kg/min), were randomly assigned to four groups active experimental (AE, n=8) active control (AC, n=8) inactive experimental (NE, n=13) inactive control (NC, n=14). For 2 weeks subjects performed short term circuit resistance training, 5 times per week (10 sessions) the exercises include chest press, leg extention, sit-ups, lat. pull down, front row, foot raising, back extention, and leg curl with free weights and machines, During the first week the training was done at 40% of their one-repetition maximum (1RM) for 15 repetitions and 3 sets, and during the second week the intensity of training was increased to 50% 1RM,, while other features of training remained constant. Both before and 48 hours after the last training session, fasting and resting blood samples were collected. Homocysteine using HPLC and CRP using the immunoturbidometric method were evaluated. Comparison within groups showed that homocysteine concentration in all 4 groups was reduced and CRP showed increase in the active experimental group but did not change in the inactive group. In comparison between groups there were no significant differences in homocysteine and CRP levels. It seems that short term circuit resistance training can be used as a method of preventing cardiovascular disease in women, and it can be recommended as a lifestyle intervention to promote health.