EFFECTS OF AEROBIC EXERCISE ON INFLAMMATION MARKERS AMONG OVERWEIGHT WOMEN

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of 12 weeks of aerobic exercise on inflammation markers among overweight women. A sample of 20 overweight females between the ages of 18 to 24 years were recruited from the Women's University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir Bagh. Plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and anthropometric parameters were checked before and after 12 weeks of aerobic training (AT). Paired sample T-test was used for changes over time. The study revealed a significant effect of aerobic exercise on participant’s CRP (4.98 ± 1.65 vs 3.74 ± .61 P = 0.003) and IL-6 (8.41 ± 4.02 vs 5.22 ± 2.93 P = 0.001) levels. The study also found significant positive effects of long-term aerobic training on weight and BMI. Aerobic training significantly improves CRP and IL-6 and anthropometric measurements such as waist-hip ratio (WHR) weight and body mass index (BMI). The training protocol used can be used as a good tool for the reduction of weight and maintenance of good health, especially for females. Being overweight should not be considered trivial and needs special consideration and awareness for the serious consequences associated with obesity and overweight.