Comparison of sprint interval and continuous endurance training on oxidative stress and antioxidant adaptations in young healthy adults

Background: Different intensities of exercise induce varying levels of reactive oxygen species, causing oxidative stress. However, regular physical training enhances the antioxidant system and protects tissues by oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the difference in markers between time-efficient low-volume high-intensity interval (sprint interval training: SIT) and traditional high-volume low-intensity methods (continuous endurance training: CET) regarding oxidative stress and antioxidant levels. Material and methods: Fifteen male volunteers were divided into two groups according to their VO(2)max levels. The SIT program consisted of 4-6 Wingate all-out sprints with a 4.5 min recovery, while CET consisted of 30-50 min cycling at 60% VO(2)max for seven weeks. Total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels were examined in pre and post-intervention. Results: Increases in GSH-Px (30% vs. 55%), TOS (33% vs. 18%) and a significant decrease in MDA (8.6%, p<0.003; 6.8%, p<0.016) in CET and SIT were observed, respectively. By contrast, TAS decreased (62%) after CET and increased (17%) after SIT. No significant differences in these parameters were reported after the training period between SIT and CET groups. Conclusions: SIT was suggested as a safe exercise model to improve general health and the performance of traditional CET.