INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The relationship between heat shock proteins (Hsp) and physical activity habits has not been studied in depth, which raises the question about the role these proteins play in health. Based on this uncertainty, this study aims to determine whether plasma levels of these proteins are modified according to the physical activity habits. METHOD: Twenty-four blood samples were taken to study the Hsp concentration, by ELISA test, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was applied to determine physical activity habits. In the statistical analysis, were compared the Hsp average (categorical variables), using ANOVA, the correlation (Spearman) was studied for the continuous variable, also a multiple linear regression was developed in order to establish the effect of each one of the independent variables on the Hsp concentrations. RESULTS: For the studied sample, not statistically differences were found in the concentrations of Hsp, between active and sedentary subjects; however it was noticed that as individuals become more active, the levels of Hsp are reduced. The correlation between energy expense and concentration of Hsp was not found. In the male population, significant differences between the concentration of Hsp and physical activity habits were found (measured in three categories). CONCLUSION: We propose to keep investigating, because in fact the study suggests that the regular practice of physical activity acts as protective factor, reducing the levels of these kinds of proteins in the blood.
health; exercise; heat-shock
