Abstract

This study inquired the effects of short-term exercise on heart-beats, blood pressure, total anti-oxidative capacity (TAC), total oxidative stress (TOS), lipid hydro-peroxide (LOOHs) and Paraoxonase (PON) in football players. 22 male football players, who perform exercise regularly at least three times a week and two hours a day, participated in this study on voluntary basis. Heart-beats, systolic and diastolic blood pressures and blood samples were taken from the football players before and right after the short-term exercise. Their Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), Total Oxidative Stress (TOS), Lipid Hydro-peroxide (LOOHs) and Paraoxonase (PON) levels were measured and assessed. It was found that football players displayed significant increase in heart-beats (p < 0.01) and systolic blood pressure (p < 0.05), significant decrease in TAC values (p < 0.05), and significant increase in the oxidative status (TOS) value (p < 0.05) after the short-term exercise compared to the pre-exercise levels. No significant change was observed in diastolic blood pressure, lipid hydro-peroxide (LOOHs) and Paraoxonase (PON) levels. In this study, it was found that the balance shifted towards oxidative stress due to decreased antioxidants and increased oxidants after short-term exercise. In order to reduce such a high oxidative stress and to prevent athletes from its adverse effects, it necessary to have an antioxidant-rich diet before any exercise or to get antioxidant supplements.

Key words: Football, short-term exercise, oxidants, antioxidants.