Abstract Aim: Reactive oxygen species and high concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines are related to diseases that are often triggered during the aging process. This study aimed to investigate the effect of moderate-intensity physical exercise, twice a week, on oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers. Methods: Participants were older women aged 60-70 years, engaged in a moderate-intensity exercise program carried out in 60 minutes sessions, twice a week, for 24 weeks. Exercise sessions consisted of step, resistance and stretch exercises. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), serum iron and cytokines IL-6, IL-1β and IL-1ra were determined using specific kits. Physical fitness was assessed using tests provided by AAPHERD. A paired t test was performed. Results: Moderate-intensity exercise program provided a reduction in lipid peroxidation (27%) and in the serum release of prooxidant iron ions (40%). Cytokine levels were reduced by 37% for IL-6, 16% for IL-1β and 32% for IL-1ra. Improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (13%), muscular endurance (11%) and flexibility (12%) were also observed. Conclusion: Diminished redox state and inflammation were obtained using a twice-weekly exercise program. These results have important implications for older adults who are unable or unwilling to attend exercise programs more than twice a week. Moreover, these results could re-establish the minimum exercise activity necessary for obtaining health benefits in the elderly population.

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar o efeito de uma partida simulada de futsal sobre as concentrações salivares de cortisol (Cs) e imunoglobulina A (SIgA) em jogadores de elite. Amostras de saliva foram coletadas antes e após a partida e analisadas, posteriormente, pelo método de ELISA. A carga interna de treinamento foi avaliada através do método da Percepção Subjetiva de Esforço da sessão. Através da análise do tamanho do efeito (TE), foi constatado aumento grande (TE=1,07) do Cs e diminuição grande (TE=-1,36) da SIgA do momento pré para o pós-partida. Foi observada correlação significante (r=0,66) entre a carga interna de treinamento e a resposta do Cs. Os resultados do presente estudo indicam que uma partida simulada de futsal pode modular a resposta imuno-endócrina. A adoção de estratégias para monitorar as respostas imuno-endócrinas, em associação a utilização de instrumentos psicométricos, pode auxiliar o planejamento e o ajuste das cargas de treinamento.

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of a simulated futsal match on salivary cortisol (sC) and immunoglobulin A (SIgA) concentrations in 10 male elite players. Saliva sampling was conducted before and after the futsal match, and, subsequently, the samples were analyzed by ELISA. The internal training load was evaluated by means of session rating of perceived exertion method. The effect size (ES) analysis showed a large increase (ES=1.07) for Cs and a large decrease (ES=-1.36) for SIgA from pre to post-match. There was a significant correlation (r=0.66) between internal training load and Cs response. The results of the present study indicate that a simulated match can modulate immune-endocrine response. The adoption of strategies to monitor salivary responses (Cs and SIgA) associated with psychometric tools could help the planning and the adjustment of training loads.