Production of reactive oxygen species during the aerobic and anaerobic exercise

Abstract

The protective effect of physical exercise against diseases is well established in literature, although it is known that exercising generates free radicals. Despite the mitochondria being the main source of free radicals, the processes of ischemia, inflammation, and reperfusion can also form free radicals. The purpose of this literature review was to investigate the impact of both aerobic and anaerobic physical exercise on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We verified that cellular and tissue damage by free radicals, caused by lipid peroxidation and inflammation, occurs in both types of physical exercises, especially in high intensity efforts. There are indications that ROS generation during physical exercise cannot be modulated by regular training, however, the cellular environment can increase antioxidant endogenous concentration to compensate for that stress. Moreover, ROS regulation can differently occur in aerobic and anaerobic exercises. Therefore, the control of oxidative stress may be very important, particularly, in anaerobic exercises.