Oxidative stress is the term generally used to describe the damage caused by imbalance between pro-oxidants and antioxidants in the organism. The increase in the O2 consumption induced by physical exercise is associated with the increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) being these species inducers of oxidative stress. Although the evidence indicates a probable inhibitory effect of the light emitting diode therapy (LEDT) on the production of ROS, there are no studies observing this effect in humans. This preliminary study has the aim to verify the effects of LEDT applied before high-intensity exercise on lipid peroxidation, measured through blood levels of reactive substances to thiobarbituric acid (TBARS). Six male volleyball athletes were submitted to two situations: active LEDT and placebo LEDT. Performance in the exercise protocol showed no difference (p> 0.05) between the two situations in peak power, average power and fatigue index. The results related to lipid peroxidation were: at active LEDT situation, it was not possible to observe statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between pre and post exercise levels (6.98 ± 0.81 and 7.02 ± 0.47 nmol/mL); at placebo LEDT situation, statistically significant difference (p=0.05) was observed between pre and post exercise levels (7.09 ± 1.28 and 8.43 ± 0.71 nmol/mL). These results show that active LEDT seems to be effective in controlling lipid peroxidation in athletes submitted to intense exercise
phototherapy; lipid peroxidation; sport
