Physiological and biochemical responses to three interval aerobic training protocols in young men
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v82.119144Keywords:
Body weight, oxidative stress, physical exercise, young adultAbstract
Introduction: The physiological benefits of physical exercise are well documented in health promotion and preventing diseases, although the intensity and duration of such exercise may alter the efficiency of certain variables.
Objective: To investigate intensity and volume effects in interval training both practically and biochemically.
Methodology: Young military personnel were randomly assigned to three interval aerobic exercise groups at light, moderate, and intense intensities, with progressively lower training volumes prescribed as exercise intensity increased (G1, G2, and G3, respectively) measured by their residual heart rate for 12 weeks. Pre/post data of body composition and non-acute biochemical markers from the study population were collected.
Results: After 12 weeks, all groups showed significant reductions in body fat mass, whereas only G1 exhibited significant reductions in BMI, body fat percentage, and resting heart rate. G2 and G3 showed significant increases in lean mass percentage. Regarding oxidative stress, significant changes were limited to DCF, GSH, and NO, with differences between groups depending on intensity and duration, while protein carbonylation, SOD, and sulfhydryl group content remained unchanged.
Discussion: Interval training improved body composition regardless of intensity, with light-intensity training showing additional benefits for BMI and resting heart rate, while moderate- and high-intensity training favored lean mass gains.
Conclusion: Effects on redox balance were more limited and intensity-specific, suggesting that exercise intensity should be considered when targeting oxidative stress outcomes in military populations.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Joni Marcio de Farias, Leandro de Oliveira Carpes, Ricardo Teixeira Quinaud, Priscila Custório Martins, Tiago Locks Silveira, Marcos Paulo Campos Assis, Eduarda Valim Pereira, Paulo Locks Silveira
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