The Effects of Aerobic and Strength Training on Plasma Sestrin 2 Levels in Inactive Elderly Men

Abstract

Introduction: Aging is associated with increased oxidative stress and decreased Sestrin 2 levels.The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of aerobic and strength training on plasma levels of Sestrin2 in inactive elderly men.

Methods: In the present quasi -experimental study, forty-five elderly men with an age range of 60 to 74 years were selected using convenience sampling and then randomly assigned to three groups: an aerobic training group, a strength training group, and a control group. The aerobic training group trained for eight weeks, three sessions per week, at an intensity of 55-70% of heart rate reserve (HRR) based on the principle of progressive overload. The Strength training group also performed upper and lower body resistance training, three days a week and for eight weeks at an intensity of 30 to 80 percent of one Repetition Maximum(1RM). The control group did not participate in any training program. Blood samples were collected from all three groups 48 hours before and after the training intervention. Plasma Sestrin2 levels were measured using an ELISA kit. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) along with Tukey's post hoc test was employed to compare the variables in the three groups. The data were analyzed at a significance level of 0.05 and using SPSS-23 software.

Results: Eight weeks of aerobic and strength training resulted in a significant increase in plasma Sestrin2  levels (p < 0.05), and no significant difference was observed between the two aerobic and strength training groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Elderly people benefit from aerobic and resistance training to reduce oxidative stress caused by aging and, consequently, reduce the diseases caused by it.