Pages: 6-12

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise for 3 months on serum levels of CRP in low-activity smoker and non-smoker males. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, 26 adult male volunteers were chosen randomly to participate in the study in two groups: smokers (number = 13) and non-smokers (number = 13). Both research groups participated in a three-month aerobic exercise program of 3 sessions ranging from 45 to 60 minutes. Exercise intensity was considered 60 to 80 percent of the maximum heart rate during the exercise program. Independent t-test and t-correlated test were used to analyze the data. Results: findings showed that there is a significant difference between CRP levels, body weight, body mass index, and body fat percentage in adult male smokers and non-smokers. The results also indicated that 12 weeks of aerobic training and nicotine treatments improved serum CRP levels, body weight, body mass index, and body fat percentage in adult male smokers. Conclusion: The findings of the present study showed that inactive smoker males have higher levels of CRP as inflammatory cytokines in compare to non-smokers, which confirms a number of previous studies. On the other hand, the intervention of aerobic training for 12 weeks leads to a decrease in CRP in both smokers and non-smokers. However, the improvement in the smokers group is much more than the non-smokers group.