Abstract

There is a paucity of research examining the influence of acute exercise on pulse wave velocity (PWV) and oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of acute moderate aerobic exercise on PWV and oxidative stress in healthy males. Eight apparently healthy males (age 23.6 ± 2.8yrs; stature 181.4 ± 8.1cm; weight 83.4 ± 16.2kg; all data mean ±SD) participated in a randomized crossover design consisting of i) a one hour bout of moderate aerobic exercise and ii) a control trial of one hour’s rest. Pre and post exercise blood samples were drawn for the determination of lipid hydroperoxides (LOOHs) and lipid-soluble antioxidants (lycopene, retinol and β-carotene). Exercise had no effect on stiffness and LOOHs (P>0.05). Retinol and lycopene were increased following exercise (P<0.05). These findings suggest that acute moderate exercise has no effect on PWV and LOOHs, but can increase systemic antioxidants, which may be of benefit to health.