Abstract

Background and Aim: The results of many studies have shown that free radicals are cause of more than 60 diseases and antioxidant system (antioxidant) can stop the damaging process induced by free radicals in the body. One of the most important factors which can increase the production of free radicals is heavy breathing during physical activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a period of high intensive interval training on plasma total antioxidant capacity and malondealdehyde level in liver tissue of male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: In this study, 16 adult male Wistar rats (195-220 g) were randomly divided into control (n = 8) and training (n=8) groups. The training protocol consisted of running on treadmill 5 days a week, for 8 weeks. Standard meal and water were provided and the subjects were allowed to choose their food freely. 48 hours after the last session of training and 8 hours of overnight fasting, blood and tissue samples were collected to measure the total antioxidant capacity and MDA level by using colorimetric method. We used independent T test for data analysis. Results: The results showed that 8 weeks of intensive interval exercise had no significant effect on the plasma antioxidant activity and capacity and also tissue level of MDA (p>0.05). Conclusion: Since 8 weeks of high intensive interval training had no effect on the total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde level, it can be said cautiously that exercise at regular intervals can induce useful adaptation in antioxidant system which can lead to resistance against oxidative stress. Keywords: Intensive interval training, Total antioxidant capacity, Lipid peroxidation.