Effect of Maximal Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise on Blood Zinc and Copper Levels of Male Athletes

Abstract

This study was carried out with 48 healthy male participants. They were separated into 3 equal groups with average age, body weight and heights as follows: Group 1 (aerobic group) with 22.69 ± 1.92 years, 80.69 ± 2.89 kg and 181.50 ± 4.00 cm; Group 2 (anaerobic group) with 21.56 ± 1.90 years, 80.94 ± 3.30 kg and 181.69 ± 2.50 cm and Group 3 (control group): 22.0 ± 1.32 years, 79.19 ± 3.41 kg and 181.63 ± 2.87 cm. The differences in blood zinc levels before and after aerobic and anaerobic loading (1 and 2 groups) were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.01). The post maximal aerobic exercise blood copper levels showed a statistically decrease compared to pre exercise levels (p < 0.01). This difference was found to be statistically insignificant for the anaerobic group (group 2) (p > 0.01). The difference between the pre and post test values of the control group also showed no statistically significant change as regards to both metals (group 3) (p > 0.01). In conclusion, it could be stated that aerobic exercises have more effects on reducing the blood zinc and copper level of athletes.