Abstract

Aim. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of -8week aerobic training on serum levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in high school male students with different Body Mass Indexes (BMI).

Background. The low-grade chronic inflammation, which is characterized by increased levels of inflammatory markers in blood (such as CRP, Interleukin 6) is a strong risk factor for some chronic diseases. The hs-CRP is the most sensitive marker of inflammation and independent predicator of cardiovascular diseases and increase in hs-CRP levels are associated with obesity and cardiovascular diseases. The effect of aerobic training on hs-CRP of adolescents with different BMIs needs further investigation.

Method. In this quasi-experimental study, 24 healthy and non-athlete boys (mean age, 16.33 and standard deviation, 0.47 years) were divided into three groups "thin, normal, and overweight or obese" according to their BMI. The training program included -8week (three sessions per week) progressive aerobic running at intensities of %75-60 of maximal heart rate. To determine changes in hs-CRP levels, the blood samples were collected before and after training program in the identical conditions.

Findings. Training program had no significant effect on hs-CRP levels in all groups. There was a statistically significant difference in hs-CRP levels between obese group and the other two groups in esponse to training program, both before and after intervention.

Conclusion. Eight-week aerobic training did not have a significant effect on hs-CRP of the subjects, likely due to insufficient intensity and duration of exercise training and low baseline hs-CRP levels. Decreased hs-CRP levels in obese group, compared with other groups, was likely due to the obesity status and higher baseline hs-CRP levels.