Effects of Two Months of Progressively Increasing Aerobic Exercise on Some Mineral Changes of Blood Serum

چکیده مقاله

Some mineral elements play a vital role in human body functions. Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are two of these elements that significantly contribute to the three main nutritious compound including lipids, protein and carbohydrates. The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of two months of progressively increasing workload of aerobic exercise on the changes of zinc and copper level of sedentary overweight or obese girls. The participants in this research included 22 volunteer female college students. The exercise protocol consisted of two months of continuous aerobic exercise that progressively increased weekly performed three sessions. Blood sample was collected 24 hours before the start of the protocol and again 24 hours after the termination of the exercise program. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS: PC 16.0 and paired t-tests was employedat significant level set to 0.05. The result indicated that there was a significant increase in the level of serum zinc (P=0.004). No significant change was found in serum copper level (P=0.65). It was concluded that two months of progressively increasing workload of aerobic exercise leads to increase in the level of serum zinc probably due to the leakage of this element into the blood stream caused by muscle injuries. In addition, no change in copper was observed since this type of activity did not result in change of copper homeostasis.