The effect of an eight-week aerobic exercise program on the homocysteine level and VO<subscript>2</subscript>max in young non-athlete men. (English)

Background: An elevated homocysteine level is a serious risk factor among the cardiovascular risk factors. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of an eight-week aerobic exercise on the homocysteine level and VO 2 max and also to determine the correlation between the homocysteine level and VO 2 max. Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 28 male students from Iran University of Science and Technology, who passed the primary physical training course, were randomly divided into the experimental and control groups (age= 19.14±1.24, weight= 70.13±11.76 kg, height= 175.42±5.86 cm, body fat percentage= 19.11±5.98). Blood samples were taken from each participant in both groups and the experimental group performed the Bruce test (VO 2 max) and an eight-week aerobic exercise program three times a week with the intensity near 60-75 percent of maximum heart rate. Results: Results of this study showed no significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the homocysteine level in posttest (P=0.75), but a significant difference was seen between the two groups in VO 2 max (P<0.0001). However, no significant correlation was seen between the homocysteine level and VO 2 max (P=0.40, r=0.16). Conclusion: Although an eight-week aerobic exercise program in young non-athlete men has no significant effect on the homocysteine level, it can increase the VO 2 max. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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